Corticosteroids for elderly patients with breast cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Endocrinology
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Advanced breast cancer presents significant challenges in elderly women.
• Prior endocrine therapies (estrogens, androgens, tamoxifen) may have limited efficacy in some patients.
• Corticosteroids are known for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of low-dose corticosteroid treatment in managing advanced breast cancer in elderly women.
• To determine the response rate and duration of disease control.
• To assess the toxicity profile of corticosteroid therapy in this population.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-one elderly women (>65 years) with advanced breast cancer were enrolled.
• Patients received daily low-dose prednisolone (15 mg) or cortisone (75 mg) after primary endocrine treatment.
• Objective regression and disease stability (≥6 months) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Thirteen percent (14%) achieved objective regression, and 21% had stable disease for ≥6 months.
• Overall, 35% of patients experienced disease control for approximately one year.
• Responses were observed in soft tissue and skeletal lesions and were independent of prior endocrine treatment response.
• Toxicity associated with corticosteroid treatment was low.

Conclusions:

• Low-dose corticosteroid therapy is a beneficial treatment for controlling advanced breast cancer in elderly women.
• This approach provides disease stabilization and response, particularly in soft tissue and bone metastases.
• Corticosteroids represent a valuable therapeutic option with a favorable safety profile for this patient group.