Factors Associated With Early Discontinuation of Study Treatment in the Mammary Prevention.3 Breast Cancer Chemoprevention Trial

J Clin Oncol. 2017 Feb 20;35(6):629-635. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2016.68.8895. Epub 2017 Jan 9.

Abstract

Purpose Aromatase inhibitors are established breast cancer chemoprevention interventions. However, nonadherence remains a significant challenge. We investigated the association between worsening menopause-specific quality of life, baseline participant characteristics, and early treatment discontinuation within the Mammary Prevention.3 (MAP.3) breast cancer prevention trial. Methods In the MAP.3 randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating exemestane, participants completed the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) at entry and at 6 months. Multivariable log-binomial regression was used to assess the associations of baseline participant characteristics and clinically meaningful worsening in menopause-specific quality of life (QOL) with treatment discontinuation at 1 year. Results Of the 4,501 participants eligible for this analysis, 724 (17%) discontinued assigned treatment within the first year of random assignment of treatment (19% of the exemestane group and 13% of the placebo group). Between 19% and 35% of women experienced a clinically meaningful worsening in the vasomotor, sexual, physical, and psychosocial domains of the MENQOL within 6 months of treatment initiation. Regardless of receiving exemestane or not, experiencing a worsening in any MENQOL domain or, especially, overall menopause-specific QOL, was associated with early treatment discontinuation (relative risk, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.53 to 2.10 for overall worsening). Assignment to exemestane, having a smoking history, and current employment also were significantly associated with early discontinuation. Conclusion Negative changes in menopause-specific QOL influence a woman's decision to stop chemoprevention therapy. Attention to such symptoms may improve QOL and potentially improve chemoprevention adherence.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Androstadienes / administration & dosage
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Chemoprevention / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Menopause / physiology
  • Menopause / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance
  • Patient Dropouts*
  • Quality of Life
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Androstadienes
  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • exemestane