Symptom Profiles and Related Factors Among Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Latent Profile Analysis.

BACKGROUND

To provide person-centered symptom management, the interindividual variability in breast cancer patients merits further exploration. However, how sociodemographic and clinical characteristics influence symptom profile membership in endocrine therapy for breast cancer is still unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore symptom profiles of breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy and to identify sociodemographic and clinical characteristics among symptom subgroup members.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted, and participants were invited to complete a general information questionnaire and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Subscale. Latent profile analysis, univariate analysis, and multinomial logistic regression were performed to explore symptom profiles and identify interindividual variability.

RESULTS

Three distinct subgroups were identified: "all high" (9.8%), "all moderate but high sexual symptoms" (25.4%), and "all low" (64.8%). Age, body mass index, main payment source for medical expenses, type of endocrine therapy, and history of breast cancer treatment were factors that determined membership in these 3 symptom subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics were associated with their endocrine therapy-related symptom profiles. In general, those younger in age who pay out of pocket for medical expenses, use aromatase inhibitors, present a history of chemotherapy, and have a higher body mass index have a greater risk of symptom burden.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

The findings of this study will contribute to implementing individual cancer care based on the characteristics and needs of patient subgroups, which may improve the allocation of medical resources and provide interventions tailored to patients' unique needs.