Short-term health-related quality of life with epirubicin and cyclophosphamide versus 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide as adjuvant chemotherapy in Turkish patients with operable breast cancer

Abstract

One of the key issues during adjuvant treatments is ensuring that patients have a worthwhile health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We compared short-term HRQOL in Turkish patients with operable breast cancer receiving EC or FEC as adjuvant chemotherapy. Eligible patients (n=60) with Stage I-II and Stage III breast cancer were assigned to EC (Group I) and FEC (Group II), respectively. HRQOL was assessed with WHOQOL-BREF-TR, Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory at baseline and the start of cycles 2, 4 and 3 months after the last cycle. More patients with advanced stage (operable stage III) (n=26, 86.7%) and MRM (n=18, 60%) were treated with FEC (p<0.001 and p= 0.07, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in global HRQOL between the two treatment groups. However, the comparison of the depression scores revealed an increase in Group II (p=0.002). Information about the expected HRQOL and psychological consequences of treatment regimens should help clinicians and their patients make informed treatment decisions.[Turk