Patient-Reported Outcomes From Phase III Neoadjuvant Systemic Trial Comparing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy With Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy in Premenopausal Patients With Estrogen Receptor-Positive and HER2-Negative, Lymph Node-Positive Breast Cancer

In this phase III clinical trial involving 187 premenopausal patients with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative, lymph node-positive breast cancer, the study compared patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) and neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET). After 24 weeks, 174 patients completed the treatment, and the results indicated no statistically significant differences in quality of life measures, including body image, sexual functioning, and symptoms like hair loss, between the two groups. However, the NET group reported a significantly better future perspective compared to the NCT group. The study emphasized the need for pre-treatment education and emotional support, especially concerning hair loss, which can affect quality of life. Limitations included a small sample size for the "upset by hair loss" section and only one follow-up time point, suggesting the need for further research with a larger patient population and longer follow-up.