The Burden of Illness of Treatment-Induced Vasomotor Symptoms in Individuals with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Literature Review.

This systematic literature review (SLR) evaluates the global burden of treatment-induced vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) in individuals with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Embase and PubMed were searched for observational and interventional studies published between January 2010 and January 2023 reporting on adults who experienced moderate to severe VMSs after tamoxifen or AI treatment for breast cancer. Epidemiological, clinical, humanistic, economic, and treatment pattern data were extracted where available. Of 694 unique publications identified, 37 independent studies (22 observational and 15 interventional) were included. The prevalence or incidence of treatment-induced VMSs was reported in 17 studies. The prevalence of hot flashes ranged from 32.5% to 82.9% in observational studies, while their incidence ranged from 2% to 60.0% in interventional studies. In four studies that reported data, individuals experienced VMSs with a frequency of 2 to 20 episodes per day. There were limited data on VMS timing (within a 24 h period or in relation to treatment dosing), duration, and correlations with clinical outcomes. Age, weight gain, body mass index, ethnicity, employment intensity, and certain genetic haplotypes were identified as risk factors for VMSs; however, these factors were often reported in only one study each. Notable evidence gaps in the literature included treatment options or management strategies for treatment-induced VMSs and the economic burden associated with treatment-induced VMSs. This SLR highlights the burden of treatment-induced VMSs in individuals with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen or AI therapy. Moderate to severe symptoms were reported in a large proportion of individuals across several studies. Evidence gaps were identified for economic burden and treatment patterns; further research is needed to understand the unmet needs for this population.