Abstract

EFFECTS OF RADIATION AND HORMONAL THERAPIES IN FEMALE BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

Fakhsheena Anjum*, Nighat Razvi, Wajiha Iffat

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer is reported having highest prevalence in Pakistan in Asia. It is treated with adjuvant radiotherapy after surgery with or without chemotherapy and later with endocrine therapy to get better overall survival rate. This study was conducted to perceive the effects of radiation and hormonal therapies in female breast cancer patients in Karachi, Pakistan. The cross sectional study was conducted from April 2011 to January 2012, n=811 patients were registered in KIRAN hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. The data collected through patients’ interview and their medical profiles were assessed statistically using the version 16.0 of SPSS. Out of n=811 female patients, majority were suffering from stage I or II of breast cancer. Most of the patients (97.16%) received radiation therapy whereas hormonal therapy was given to 62.63% patients, majority belonging to age group of 41-50 years. The patients may have previously received adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Overall response for radiation therapy was good in 90.86% and partial in 8.88% breast cancer patients. The most common adverse reactions observed after radiation therapies were fatigue (75.88%) and skin hyperpigmentation (72.08%). The overall response observed during the follow ups for hormonal therapy was good in all patients. The most common adverse reactions observed due to hormonal therapy within 3-6 months were heat intolerance (50.98%) and myalgia (40.55%). 55.70% patients were at risk for developing cardiovascular diseases due to their existing comorbidities while having hormonal therapy. The treatment modalities should be selected according to patients’ forbearance and disease stage. Adverse effects arising from these treatments must be managed timely so as to have patients’ compliance and improvement in their quality of life.

Keywords: Breast cancer, hormonal therapy, letrozole, radiation therapy, tamoxifen.