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Adherence rates and correlates in long-term hormonal therapy
1School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Vitamins and Hormones
|July 2, 2013
Summary
Adjuvant hormonal therapy improves breast cancer outcomes, but daily oral medication adherence is challenging due to side effects. Interventions are needed to enhance patient adherence for optimal treatment benefits.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Patient Adherence Research
Background:
- Adjuvant hormonal therapy significantly improves breast cancer outcomes.
- Daily oral medications like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are crucial for 5 years of treatment.
- Considerable nonadherence to these therapies occurs, increasing over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges in adherence to adjuvant hormonal therapy for breast cancer.
- To emphasize the need for interventions to improve medication adherence.
- To underscore the importance of addressing side effects that hinder adherence.
Main Methods:
- Review of current evidence on adjuvant hormonal therapy adherence.
- Analysis of factors contributing to nonadherence, including side effect profiles.
- Exploration of potential pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions.
Main Results:
- Nonadherence to tamoxifen and AIs is substantial and worsens over time.
- Side effects associated with tamoxifen and AIs are significant barriers to adherence.
- Interventions show potential for improving adherence and managing side effects.
Conclusions:
- Improving adherence to adjuvant hormonal therapy is critical for optimal breast cancer treatment outcomes.
- Further research and development of effective interventions are necessary.
- Addressing treatment side effects is key to enhancing patient adherence.
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