In a nutshell
This study wanted to analyse how treatment with everolimus (Afintor) and exemestane (Aromasin) is performed in patients with breast cancer, and if there are any side effects. The study found that treatment occured for an average of 28 .5 weeks, and side effects were seen in a number of patients, including swelling of the lips, rashes, and lung issues.
Some background
Treatment with everolimus and exemestane is commonly called EVE-EXE treatment. It is a type of treatment for people with breast cancer that has hormone receptors on the surface of the cancer cells. This type of cancer is called HR+ cancer. It works well in elderly patients. However, all the data from elderly patients has come from very controlled clinical trials. It is not known how it works in elderly patients outside of the controlled trial setting.
Methods & findings
This study consisted of 404 patients. All of these patients had been diagnosed with advanced HR+ breast cancer. While evaluating this study, the researchers looked at patients over 65. 154 patients were over 65. 87 patients were over 70. The patients were followed for an average of 29.2 months.
On average, the patients aged 65-69 had treatment for 28.5 weeks. The patients over 70 had treatment for 24.4 weeks. The patients over 65 were less likely to recieve high dose treatment with EVE-EXE compared to patients under 65. 49.6% of patients over 65 recieved the highest dose of treatment with EVE-EXE. 66.8% of patients under 65 recieved the highest dose of treatment with EVE-EXE. Side-effects were seen in 35.7% of patients over 65. 10.9% of the patients over 65 experienced stomatitis (inflammation of the lips and mouth). 5.8% of patients over 65 got a rash. 3.6% of patients over 65 had inflammation of the lungs.
The bottom line
The study concluded that tfreating HR+ advanced breast cancer with EVE-EXE is effective but does have some side effects in older patients.
The fine print
This is a small study. It did not examine how effective the treatment is.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor about your treatment plan.
Published By :
Oncotarget
Date :
Aug 07, 2018
