Quality of life and breast cancer – state of the art

The quality of life (QoL) impairments of patients receiving a diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be substantial. These include early menopause, chemotherapy induced toxicity, loss of body image, limitations of sexual activity and fertility. When assessing the value of a particular anticancer treatment, it is important to consider the impact it may have not only on survival but also on QoL. In clinical trials, the standard endpoints are response rates, progression free survival, overall survival, and toxicity. In recent years, QoL has become an additional secondary trial endpoint. The current state of e…