Chemotherapy-related amenorrhea in women with early breast cancer: The effect of paclitaxel or dose density

Abstract

10506 Background: The effect of the addition of paclitaxel (T) to adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (AC), or dose density (DD, q2wk) on menstrual functioning in women with early breast cancer remains uncertain. Methods: We reviewed data from premenopausal women treated at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital who received adjuvant chemotherapy with either AC or AC-T from 1997–2005 for whom pre- and post-treatment menstrual data were available. A multivariable logistic regression model evaluating amenorrhea at 6 months or greater follow-up was conducted. Results: Of the 403 patients eligible for analysis, average age at diagnosis was 41 years (range 25–50); average weight was 67kg; 10% were smokers, 53% had never smoked; 24% were nulliparous. 60% of women received AC, 40% AC-T; 20% of women received DD therapy (either AC or AC-T); 72% received tamoxifen. The multivariable model adjusting for age, weight, gravity, parity, smoking, alcohol use, and tamoxifen use, revealed that risk of amenorrhea was not statistically different in patients receiving AC-T versus AC (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 0.78–2.69) or in patients receiving DD therapy versus standard (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 0.74–3.49). However, a planned future analysis including data from an additional 200+ patients may yield significant differences. Age directly correlated with risk of amenorrhea, OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.30–1.50) for every year increase in age, and women receiving tamoxifen were more likely to be amenorrheic (OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.05–3.79). Conclusions: The addition of T to AC or use of DD therapy does not appear to increase the likelihood of amenorrhea in follow-up. These findings may assist premenopausal women with breast cancer when making decisions at diagnosis and in follow-up. No significant financial relationships to disclose.