Adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy after breast cancer in Sweden 2008-2010 : a nationwide survey

• Background: In estrogen receptor (ER) positive early breast cancer (EBC) adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) is crucial to reduce recurrence and mortality. Previous studies have shown that adherence to AET is lower than expected and could negatively affect outcome. Since the year of 2000, BC patients in Sweden are treated in accordance to national guidelines. Treatment is offered at a low cost for the patient. The aim of the study was to estimate the adherence to AET in Sweden by regions and age groups. Methods: Women with a first primary EBC diagnosis 2008-2010 were identified through the Swedish Cancer Registry (SCR). Individual tumour and treatment data were retrieved from the Swedish National Breast Cancer Registry (SNBCR). Patients with ER negative tumours, small tumours (≤ 10 mm) and metastatic disease was excluded from the study since there were no indication to AET. Likewise, were individuals with AET registered to be administered by a third part excluded. Dispensed treatment from pharmacies was obtained through the Swedish Prescription Registry and medication possession rate (MPR) was calculated as number of dispensed doses divided by treatment duration in days. Good adherence to treatment in a patient was set at MPR ≥ 80 %. Adherence was calculated for 3 and 5 years. Results: Twenty-one thousand sixteen (21 016) individuals with a first primary BC between 2008 and 2010 was identified through SCR of which 20 596 were registered in the SNBCR. A total of 10 176 met the inclusion criteria in the study. Adherence after 3 years was 88.0 % and after 5 years 82.5 %. Adherence differed between regions in Sweden and was positively associated with age at diagnosis between 41-74 years. Urban areas had a lower adherence than rural areas (80.7 % vs 83.6 %; p= <0.001). Conclusions: Adherence to AET in Sweden was good, although there were differences by age and urban and rural areas. Further studies are needed to identify factors affecting differences in adherence, with the purpose of initiate actions to increase adherence to AET in ER positive EBC patients.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

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