The Comparison of the Quality of Life in Patients with Early Stage Breast Cancer between using FAC and AC-T Regimens in Marengrairoke Clinic at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital

Main Article Content

Onrumpha Chuenchom
Wannakon Chuemongkon
Kamudbhorn Rattanacheeworn
Weerapattra Kasemsakkarin

Abstract

Introduction: There are few studies on the quality of life and the comparative research of chemotherapy regimens on quality of life in breast cancer patients. This study aimed to compare the quality of life in patients with early stage breast cancer after breast surgery between using FAC (fluorouracil, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide) and AC-T (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, followed by docetaxel or paclitaxel)  regimens. The quality of life before and after receiving chemotherapy in each regimen was evaluated. Methods: The 9-month analytical prospective study was conducted in outpatients with early stage breast cancer at MaharatNakhonRatchasima Hospital. The participants were divided into FAC or AC-T regimen groups after they received the FAC or AC-T regimen.. Results: A total of 43 eligible patients were included, 23 in the FAC regimen group and 20 in the AC-T regimen group. There was no difference between baseline characteristics and the quality of life of the two groups. In the FAC regimen group, the physical well-being score of the last cycle of chemotherapy was lower than the score before receiving chemotherapy (p=0.009) whereas the emotional well-being score and additional concerns were statistically better (p=0.008 and 0.027, respectively). In the AC-T regimen group, the quality of life in physical well-being at the third and the sixth cycles were statistically lower than before receiving chemotherapy (p=0.005 and p=0.028, respectively). At the last cycle, when compared with baseline, the quality of life in physical well-being, social/family well-being, emotional well-being, functional well-being and overall quality of life were not significantly different, whereas the quality of life in additional concerns at the last cycle of chemotherapy was significantly higher (p=0.013). Comparison of the two regimens at the last cycle revealed that the quality of life in physical well-being of the AC-T regimen group was statistically greater than the FAC regimen group (p=0.012). Conclusion: Participants in the FAC group experienced a lower quality of life in physical well-being before receiving chemotherapy whereas participants in the AC-T group experienced a lower quality of life in physical well-being during the beginning of treatment. Therefore, the results of this comparative study of two regimens indicate that the AC-T regimen is more suitable for patients with concurrent physical health problems.

Article Details

Section
Pharmaceutical Practice
Author Biography

Onrumpha Chuenchom, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Srinakharinwirot University

Assist.Prof.Wannakon Chuemongkon, B.Pharm., M.Sc. (Clinical Pharmacy)Department of Clinical PharmacyFaculty of Pharmacy, Srinakharinwirot University63 Moo 7 Rangsit-Nakhonnayok Rd., Ongkarak, Nakhonnayok 26120, ThailandPhone: 037395094-5 or 026495000 ext 21660Fax 037395096

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