Positive Health Online

Abstract

BOEKHOUT and co-authors, Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands, have studied the treatment of cancer therapy-induced early menopause. Abstract: Young women with breast cancer often experience early menopause as a result of the therapy for their malignant disease. The sudden occurrence of menopause frequently results in hot flashes that begin at a younger age and may occur at a greater frequency and intensity than hot flashes associated with natural menopause. Hormone therapy relieves symptoms effectively in 80%-90% of women who initiate treatment. Hormone therapy, however, is generally contraindicated in oestrogen-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer, because of the potentially increased risk for recurrence. Many agents have been investigated as potential means for alleviating hot flashes in survivors of breast cancer, such as progestagens, clonidine, gabapentin, and antidepressants. Several complementary and alternative medicines frequently used by patients have also been studied. These include Black Cohosh, phytoestrogens, Homeopathy, Vitamin E, Acupuncture, and behaviour strategies. To support the use of one of more of these options in the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer patients, more evidence from well-controlled clinical trials is needed. In particular, soundly based scientific research with CAM therapies is lacking. Pharmacological treatments appear to be more beneficial than nonpharmacological treatments. This article reviews the current literature to assess the epidemiology and diagnosis of hot flashes and the nonpharmacological and pharmacological options for their treatment, specifically in women with breast cancer.

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References

Boekhout AH, Beijnen JH, Schellens JH. Symptoms and treatment in cancer therapy-induced early menopause. Oncologist 11 (6): 641-654, Jun 2006.