Incidence of chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea after adjuvant chemotherapy with taxane and anthracyclines in young patients with breast cancer

• Published in: Iranian journal of cancer prevention 2013, Vol.6 (3), p.147-150
• Main Authors: Pourali, Leila, Taghizadeh Kermani, Ali, Ghavamnasiri, Mohammad Reza, Khoshroo, Fahimeh, Hosseini, Sare, Asadi, Mehdi, Anvari, Kazem
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original
• ISSN: 2008-2398; 2008-2401

Chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea is one of long term side effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer which may interfere with their future reproductive function. Although amenorrhea is well recognized, the actual incidence following taxanes remains uncertain. In a cross sectional study, we identified breast cancer patients aged 45 years or younger who were treated with adjuvant anthracycline and taxane-based regimens at three different oncology departments from 2001-2008. One hundred and nineteen patients met all eligibility criteria and consented to participate in a regular follow up program. The median age at diagnosis was 33.5 years (range, 25-41). Seventy (58%) patients developed amenorrhea for at least 12 months following completion of treatment, and regular menses were maintained in another 49 (42%) patients. No statistically significant association was found between age and development of amenorrhea, although those who experienced cessation of menses were older. Although taxane containing chemotherapy was associated with higher rate of amenorrhea compared to FAC, this was not statistically significant (P=0.11). Also, treatment with tamoxifen and Estrogen Receptor (ER) positive status was significantly correlated with chemotherapy induced amenorrhea.