A latest study published in the ‘Journal of Cancer Survivorship’ reported some methods to manage the side effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy in breast cancer survivors.
Adjuvant endocrine therapy is a critical therapy for treatment in women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. This therapy has shown to reduce the risk of recurrence and death in breast cancer survivors. However, this adjuvant therapy causes side effects, such as fatigue, hot flashes, arthralgia (joint pain), nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, vulvovaginal symptoms, and sleep disturbance. Although these side effects are common in breast cancer survivors, they may hinder adherence to treatment.
The study was a systemic review of oncology organisation’s websites and eight databases, and screening, data extraction and quality assessment of the data obtained.
The systemic review of multiple guidelines recommend the use of moisturisers, gels and lubricants for vulvovaginal symptoms. The evidence was weak for physical activity to manage most symptoms. However, two reviews suggested that yoga and aerobic exercise could reduce fatigue.
In conclusion, patients should be aware of the adjuvant endocrine therapy side effects and the methods to self-manage these side effects, which may include use of moisturisers, gels or lubricants, yoga or aerobic exercise.
Source: Hall LH, King NV, Graham CD, Green SMC, Barber A, Neal RD, Foy R, Clark J, Lloyd KE, Smith SG. Strategies to self-manage side-effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy among breast cancer survivors: an umbrella review of empirical evidence and clinical guidelines. J Cancer Surviv. 2021 Oct 18.
Source link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34664199/
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