Patients Choosing Extended 10-Year Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer

Recent research highlights a growing trend among women with early-stage breast cancer to pursue extended hormone-based treatment beyond the traditional five-year course. A study involving 591 women who had completed five years of endocrine therapy—such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors—found that nearly half (47%) opted to continue treatment. This decision was more common among women with stage 2 cancer, with 62% choosing to prolong therapy, compared to 39% of those with stage 1 cancer.

Endocrine therapies work by disrupting estrogen signaling, which can fuel hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. These medications are taken orally on a daily basis. Historically, the guideline recommended five years of therapy, but recent evidence suggests that extending treatment to 10 years can provide additional benefits, especially for higher-risk patients.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center and Stanford Medicine, was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The findings indicate that many women, particularly younger patients or those who received chemotherapy, are willing to commit to longer treatment durations. Women who discussed their treatment options with their primary care physicians were also more inclined to extend therapy.

Key factors influencing these decisions included the recommendation of oncologists, concerns about cancer recurrence, and the desire for comprehensive treatment. The data suggest that longer endocrine therapy might offer greater benefits for patients with more aggressive or higher-risk cancers, especially stage 2 tumors.

This evolving approach underscores the importance of shared decision-making between patients, oncologists, and primary care providers. As treatment options become more varied, ongoing assessment and personalized discussions are vital to balancing potential benefits with the challenges of prolonged medication use.

In summary, more women are choosing to extend hormone therapy for breast cancer, aiming to reduce recurrence risks and enhance long-term outcomes, reflecting a shift towards personalized, patient-centered cancer care.