Polypharmacy and premature aromatase inhibitor (AI) discontinuation in older women with breast cancer.

Authors

null

Elizabeth Joyce

University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI

Elizabeth Joyce , Kelley M. Kidwell , Vered Stearns , Daniel F. Hayes , Anna Maria Storniolo , Norah Lynn Henry

Organizations

University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN

Research Funding

U.S. National Institutes of Health
Pharmaceutical/Biotech Company

Background: Treatment with AI therapy for at least five years is recommended to reduce risk of cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women with hormone-positive breast cancer, but up to 50% prematurely discontinue their AI. Prior studies have demonstrated higher rates of nonadherence in older patients. Higher rates of comorbidities are also present in older patients, many of which require treatment with prescription medications. However, in prior studies, the impact of polypharmacy on AI persistence in older women has been variable. We evaluated the relationship between use of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and AI discontinuation in older women in a randomized controlled trial of AI therapy. Methods: In the Exemestane and Letrozole Pharmacogenetics (ELPh) trial, postmenopausal women with stage 0-III hormone-positive breast cancer were randomized to receive exemestane or letrozole and followed for two years. Prescription medication and OTC supplement usage was prospectively collected. Only enrolled participants at least 65 years of age were included in this analysis. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the association between baseline prescription medications, OTC medications, initial assigned AI medication, and time to discontinuation of initial AI. Results: 131 women at least 65 years old with baseline medication and OTC supplement information were identified. The average age was 70.4 (SD 5). 58 participants (44%) were randomized to exemestane and 73 (56%) to letrozole. 21% had previously received tamoxifen and 18% received taxane-based chemotherapy. The average number of prescription medications at AI initiation was 4.95, and 127 patients reported taking at least one. The average number of OTC medications was 3.23, and 107 patients reported taking at least one. There was no difference in number of prescription medications or OTC medications by study arm. As previously reported, exemestane was associated with premature discontinuation (HR 1.92 [95%CI 1.06-3.50], p = 0.032). Controlling for AI, the risk of discontinuation decreased by 12% for every additional prescription medication (HR 0.88 [95%CI 0.78-0.99], p = 0.038). OTC medication use was not significantly associated with AI duration. Conclusions: Increased prescription medication usage at AI initiation was associated with decreased risk of premature discontinuation of AI. Further research is needed to evaluate this interaction and identify characteristics that impact AI persistence in older women with breast cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT00228956.

Disclaimer

This material on this page is ©2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology, all rights reserved. Licensing available upon request. For more information, please contact licensing@asco.org

Abstract Details

Meeting

2022 ASCO Annual Meeting

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Health Services Research and Quality Improvement

Track

Quality Care/Health Services Research

Sub Track

Quality Improvement

Clinical Trial Registration Number

NCT00228956

Citation

J Clin Oncol 40, 2022 (suppl 16; abstr 6568)

DOI

10.1200/JCO.2022.40.16_suppl.6568

Abstract #

6568

Poster Bd #

351

Abstract Disclosures