BTAG RT BJC manuscript 14012021.pdf (268.77 kB)
Observational cohort study in older women with early breast cancer: use of radiation therapy and impact on health-related quality of life and mortality
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 01:42 authored by Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti, Matthew Q Hatton, Malcolm ReedMalcolm Reed, Esther Herbert, Jenna L Morgan, Michael Bradburn, Richard Simcock, Stephen J Walters, Karen A Collins, Sue E Ward, Geoffrey R Holmes, Maria Burton, Kate J Lifford, Adrian Edwards, Juliet Wright, othersBackground Radiotherapy reduces in-breast recurrence risk in early breast cancer (EBC) in older women. This benefit may be small and should be balanced against treatment effect and holistic patient assessment. This study described treatment patterns according to fitness and impact on health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL). Methods A multicentre, observational study of EBC patients aged = 70 years, undergoing breast-conserving surgery (BCS) or mastectomy, was undertaken. Associations between radiotherapy use, surgery, clinico-pathological parameters, fitness based on geriatric parameters and treatment centre were determined. HRQoL was measured using the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaires. Results In 2013–2018 2811 women in 56 UK study centres underwent surgery with a median follow-up of 52 months. On multivariable analysis, age and tumour risk predicted radiotherapy use. Among healthier patients (based on geriatric assessments) with high-risk tumours, 534/613 (87.1%) having BCS and 185/341 (54.2%) having mastectomy received radiotherapy. In less fit individuals with low-risk tumours undergoing BCS, 149/207 (72.0%) received radiotherapy. Radiotherapy effects on HRQoL domains, including breast symptoms and fatigue were seen, resolving by 18 months. Conclusion Radiotherapy use in EBC patients = 70 years is affected by age and recurrence risk, whereas geriatric parameters have limited impact regardless of type of surgery. There was geographical variation in treatment, with some fit older women with high-risk tumours not receiving radiotherapy, and some older, low-risk, EBC patients receiving radiotherapy after BCS despite evidence of limited benefit. The impact on HRQoL is transient.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Radiotherapy and OncologyISSN
0167-8140Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
161Page range
166-176Event location
IrelandDepartment affiliated with
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2021-11-12First Open Access (FOA) Date
2022-06-17First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-11-12Usage metrics
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