Endocrine therapy in the years following a diagnosis of breast cancer: A proof of concept study using the primary care prescription database linked to cancer registration data

Cancer Epidemiol. 2019 Aug:61:185-189. doi: 10.1016/j.canep.2019.04.012. Epub 2019 May 22.

Abstract

Introduction: National cancer registration data were linked to the Primary Care Prescription Database (PCPD) in England. The level of endocrine therapy (ET) prescribed in women after a diagnosis of breast cancer was studied.

Materials and methods: Cancer registrations for women diagnosed with breast cancer during 1995-2015, who survived to 31st March 2015, were linked to ET prescriptions issued during April-July 2015.

Results: Among 369 277 survivors of breast cancer diagnosed during 1995-2015, 37% were prescribed ET during April-July 2015. Among women whose breast cancer diagnosis was after 31st July 2010, 81% of those recorded with oestrogen receptor positive (ER+ve) disease were prescribed ET compared with only 6% of those with ER-ve disease. Younger women usually received tamoxifen and older women usually received aromatase inhibitors.

Discussion: The pattern of ET use observed in these data corresponds to that expected. This provides confidence in the potential of the PCPD for epidemiological research.

Keywords: Aromatase inhibitors; Breast neoplasm; Prescriptions; Tamoxifen; Therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Primary Health Care
  • Proof of Concept Study*
  • Registries
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal