Next Article in Journal
New First Line Treatment Options of Clear Cell Renal Cell Cancer Patients with PD-1 or PD-L1 Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitor-Based Combination Therapies
Previous Article in Journal
Leptin as a Key Player in Insulin Resistance of Liver Cirrhosis? A Cross-Sectional Study in Liver Transplant Candidates
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
JCM
Volume 9
Issue 2
10.3390/jcm9020566
jcm-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles thumb_up
...
Endorse textsms
...
Comment
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Aromatase Inhibitors and Risk of Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among Taiwanese Women with Breast Cancer: A Nationwide Claims Data Analysis

by
Hsu-Chih Chien
1,2,3,4,
Yea-Huei Kao Yang
1,2,*,
C. Kent Kwoh
3,4,
Pavani Chalasani
5,6,
Debbie L. Wilson
7 and
Wei-Hsuan Lo-Ciganic
7,8,*
1
Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Outcome Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
2
School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
3
Division of Rheumatology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
4
University of Arizona Arthritis Center, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
5
Division of Hematology and Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
6
University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
7
Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
8
Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(2), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9020566
Submission received: 2 February 2020 / Revised: 15 February 2020 / Accepted: 17 February 2020 / Published: 19 February 2020
(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology & Public Health)
Browse Figure
Review Reports Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy may prevent breast cancer recurrence, however, adverse effects may lead to treatment discontinuation. Evidence regarding the occurrence of AI-associated musculoskeletal problems among Asians is scarce. We identified women with breast cancer-initiating tamoxifen or AIs from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (2007–2012). Using multivariable cause-specific hazard models, we examined the association between endocrine therapy and the risk of any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, adjusting for age, prior cancer treatment, and other health status factors. Among 32,055 eligible women with breast cancer (mean age = 52.6 ± 11.5 years), 87.4% initiated tamoxifen, 3.9% initiated anastrozole, 8.0% initiated letrozole, and 0.7% initiated exemestane. AI users had a higher 1-year cumulative incidence for any arthritis (13.0% vs. 8.2%, p < 0.0001) and carpal tunnel syndrome (1.4% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.008). Compared to tamoxifen users, AI users had a higher risk of any arthritis [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.09–1.34] and carpal tunnel syndrome (aHR = 1.68, 95%CI = 1.22–2.32). No significant difference was observed in the risks of any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome across different AIs. Taxane use was not associated with any arthritis (aHR = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.81–1.05) or carpal tunnel syndrome (aHR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.67–1.40) compared to other chemotherapies. Taiwanese women with breast cancer-initiating AIs had an increased risk of arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome compared to those who initiated tamoxifen.

1. Introduction

Breast cancer is the most common newly diagnosed and prevalent female cancer, with 1.7 million new and 6.3 million prevalent cases worldwide in 2012 [1]. Nearly 70% of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive. Based on stage and menopausal status, women are recommended to receive adjuvant endocrine therapy either with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors (AIs) to prevent recurrence [2]. Despite significantly decreased recurrence with AI therapy among post-menopausal women, AIs are associated with adverse effects that may impact patient quality of life, leading to discontinuation of treatment and an increased risk of recurrence.
Musculoskeletal problems occur commonly among AI users [3,4], with reported rates ranging widely from 5% to 74% in various studies [5,6]. AI-related musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome may cause substantial pain, impact physical activity and quality of life [5], leading to non-adherence or early discontinuation of AI therapy [7]. Risk factors of AI-associated musculoskeletal problems are not well established and published results have been inconsistent [6,7,8,9]. For example, one of three cross-sectional studies found that individuals receiving taxane-based chemotherapy were associated with a higher risk (four times higher) of having arthralgia among AI users [8], while two observational studies showed null association [7,9]. Furthermore, little is known whether the risk of musculoskeletal problems varies across different AIs.
Approximately 40% of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer are Asians [1] but the evidence regarding the occurrence of AI-associated musculoskeletal problems among Asians is scarce. The majority of the clinical trials [3,4,10] recruited a few or small proportions of Asian participants. Three small, single-group observational studies (n < 400) from Japan found that 35% to 72% of AI users reported joint pain [9,11,12]. Compared to women with breast cancer in Western countries, Asian women with breast cancer have different characteristics (e.g., younger-onset age) [13], responses, and tolerability to the treatment [14]. The First Adjuvant Trial on All Aromatase Inhibitors (FATA-GIM3 trial) [10] found that the use of AIs for five years was not superior to the use of tamoxifen for two years followed by three years of AI use, and the three AIs had similar efficacy in 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival. Larger studies examining the safety of AI therapy in Asian populations are needed to inform and improve patient care for individuals with breast cancer. We aimed to examine the risk of any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome between women with breast cancer-initiating AIs versus tamoxifen using nationwide claims data in Taiwan.

2. Experimental Section

2.1. Data Sources

Our data sources were the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research (NHIRD) and Catastrophic Illness Patient Databases (CIPD) from 2004 to 2013. NHIRD is the administrative claims data of the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) Program that has covered >99% of the Taiwanese population (>23 million unique people) since 1997. NHIRD datasets include enrollment information, medical claims including inpatient, outpatient and emergency department visits, and prescription claims reimbursed by the NHI Program. The CIPD registry covers more than 30 major chronic diseases (e.g., breast cancer) and requires histological and/or clinical validations for CIPD eligibility.

2.2. Study Cohort and Identification of Endocrine Therapy Exposure

In this retrospective cohort study with new user design, we identified women with breast cancer-initiating endocrine therapy from 2007 to 2012. We identified endocrine therapy including tamoxifen and AIs (i.e., anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozole) using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System codes [15] (Table S1). Considering the long-term survival (>10 years on average) of breast cancer, and that early recurrence is more likely to occur within two years after treatment initiation [16], we identified new users who had no endocrine therapy within three years prior to the earliest date of endocrine therapy during the study period (i.e., index date). We excluded women with any diagnosis of other cancers, bone metastasis, or any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome within a year before treatment initiation (Table S2). Women having prescription opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and/or acetaminophen for ≥90 days within a year before treatment initiation were considered to have chronic pain conditions and were excluded from the analysis. A small proportion of women with missing information on age were also excluded. We grouped women into tamoxifen versus AI groups based on their initial endocrine therapy that was captured in the NHIRD data (Figure 1).

2.3. Outcomes and Measures

Two separate outcomes were examined in the 12 months after initiation of endocrine therapy: time to the first episode of (1) any arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other arthritis and (2) carpal tunnel syndrome. Any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome were identified by at least one inpatient claim or two outpatient claims that were more than 30 days apart (Table S2).

2.4. Covariates

Based on the prior literature on breast cancer treatment, we adjusted for a series of covariates to address potential confounding [5,6]. Covariates included age, year of endocrine therapy initiation, and history of primary tumor resection (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, and chemotherapy (non-taxane based or taxane-based) within a year prior to initiation of endocrine therapy. We calculated the National Cancer Institute (NCI) comorbidity index (range 0–27, higher scores indicating a higher risk of mortality in a year among cancer patients) [17]. We identified non-cancer comorbidities and/or medications within a year before treatment initiation based on diagnoses and/or medications (Tables S1 and S2). History of wrist fracture and the use of thyroxine were included as potential confounders for the outcome of carpal tunnel syndrome [18]. We also adjusted for characteristics of the hospital where patients were receiving their breast cancer treatment including locations (capital vs. non-capital) and type of hospital (medical vs. non-medical centers).

2.5. Statistical Analysis

Patient characteristics were summarized by endocrine therapy groups with appropriate descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation for continuous variables, and frequency and percentage for categorical variables). We used multivariable cause-specific hazard models to estimate the risk of any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome within a year across different AIs compared to tamoxifen, adjusting for the covariates mentioned above such as age and history of chemotherapy within a year prior to initiation of endocrine therapy. Both unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were presented. Statistical significance was determined based on 2-tailed tests (p < 0.05).

2.6. Stratification/Sensitivity Analysis

Given that patients initiating different endocrine therapies or chemotherapy regimens may have different disease severity and characteristics, we conducted two additional sensitivity analyses for each outcome using propensity score (PS) matched cohorts to ensure comparability. We then estimated the risk of outcomes of interest using multivariable cause-specific hazard models. We matched the cohorts using the optimal caliper widths method with widths of 0.2 standard deviations of PS [19]. Details in variables included in each PS model and the matching algorithms were summarized in Table S3. First, we compared the risk of any arthritis and of carpal tunnel syndrome between anastrozole versus letrozole users. We excluded exemestane users from the PS-matching analysis due to relatively small sample size as well as the use of exemestane being restricted for tamoxifen-refractory post-menopausal women in Taiwan. Second, we compared the risk of any arthritis and of carpal tunnel syndrome between women receiving taxane-based versus non-taxane-based chemotherapy. Women without any history of chemotherapy were excluded from this sensitivity analysis. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS® version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc. Cary, NC, USA).

3. Results

Among 32,055 eligible Taiwanese women with breast cancer (mean age: 52.6 ± 11.5 year), 87.4% initiated with tamoxifen, 3.9% with anastrozole, 8.0% with letrozole, and 0.7% with exemestane. Compared with tamoxifen users, AI users were older (60.3–61.9 vs. 51.4 years, p < 0.0001), more likely to have more taxane-based chemotherapy (14.8–37.8% vs. 10.8%), a higher NCI index ≥2 (12.1–13.7% vs. 5.9%), more non-cancer comorbidities such as hypertension (45.5–48.4% vs. 30.5%), and more opioid use (8.0–11.2% vs. 4.4%), as shown in Table 1. Tamoxifen users had higher proportions of receiving prior primary tumor resection than AI users (89.1% vs. 40.8–74.4%). All of these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.0001).

3.1. AI Use and Risk of Any Arthritis

As shown in Table 2, AI users had a higher incidence for any arthritis within a year after initiating treatment compared with tamoxifen users (13.0% vs. 8.2%, p < 0.0001). Overall, AI users were associated with a 21% higher risk of any arthritis in the year after treatment initiation (aHR =1.21, 95% CI = 1.09–1.34) compared to tamoxifen users. Among AIs, only letrozole users were associated with a statistically significant increased risk of any arthritis compared to tamoxifen users (anastrozole: aHR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.94–1.31; letrozole: aHR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.12–1.44; exemestane: aHR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.74–1.63). Other factors significantly associated with an increased risk of any arthritis included older age (e.g., >75 years: aHR = 3.18, 95% CI = 2.65–3.81 compared to age <45), previously receiving radiation therapy (aHR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.05–1.27), hypertension (aHR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.02–1.21), dyslipidemia (aHR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.06–1.30), affective disorders (aHR = 1.32, 95% = 1.23–1.43), opioid use (aHR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.19–1.59), and NSAIDs/acetaminophen use (aHR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.19–1.47) (Table S4). Prior exposure to taxane use was not associated with the risk of any arthritis (aHR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.81–1.05).

3.2. AI Use and Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Table 2 shows that AI users had a higher incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome within a year after initiating endocrine therapy compared to tamoxifen (1.4% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.008). Overall, AI users were associated with a 68% higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome in the year after treatment initiation (aHR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.22 − 2.32) compared to tamoxifen users. Among AIs, anastrozole and letrozole users were associated with a statistically significant increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (anastrozole: aHR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.07 − 2.93; letrozole: aHR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.13 − 2.42; exemestane: aHR = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.32 − 5.30) compared to tamoxifen users. Other factors significantly associated with an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome included age of 45 to 54 years (aHR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.31 − 2.44 compared to age <45 years) and having a history of affective disorders (aHR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.06 − 1.70) (Table S4). Prior exposure to taxane use was not associated with the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (aHR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.67 − 1.40) compared to the use of other chemotherapy.

3.3. Sensitivity/Stratification Analyses

As shown in Table S5, no PS-matched analyses found any differences in the risk of any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome among women using letrozole versus anastrozole and taxane- versus non-taxane based chemotherapy.

4. Discussion

Our study using nationwide claims data in Taiwan yielded three key findings regarding the association between type of endocrine therapy use and the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems within a year after treatment initiation. Overall, over one-tenth of Taiwanese women with breast cancer-initiating endocrine therapy experienced any arthritis within the first year of treatment, whereas the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome was less than 2%. Secondly, women who used AIs were associated with a 21% and 68% increased risk of any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, respectively, compared to those who used tamoxifen after adjustment for relevant confounders such as age, prior cancer treatment, and other comorbidities. Thirdly, there are no significant differences in the risk of any arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome for women initiating letrozole versus anastrozole in the sensitivity analyses using PS-matched cohorts. Notably, prior exposure to taxane was not a risk factor for either outcome of interest in the main and sensitivity analyses.
To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the effect of different endocrine therapies on the subsequent risk of musculoskeletal problems using a real-world, population-based claims dataset of Asian women with breast cancer. Our incidence rate of any arthritis (8% to 14%) after initiation of endocrine therapy was lower than the rates reported from the previous studies (20% to 74%) [6], while our incidence rate of carpal tunnel syndrome was similar to the existing evidence (0.1% to 2.6%) [20,21]. Potential explanations for the observed difference could result from different study designs (e.g., new users design vs. prevalent users), populations, operational definitions of the exposures and outcomes and adjustment for different confounders. For example, prior studies largely focused on self-reported arthralgia or other musculoskeletal problems among non-Asian populations. Although we applied the algorithms based on the definitions from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Chronic Condition Data Warehouse (CCW) and published literature [22], we only captured cases of any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome that required medical attention and were documented in the claims data. Mild symptomatic arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome may not be captured in our study. Future validation studies are needed to evaluate the magnitudes of the underestimation of arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome using claims data compared to patient-reported outcomes.
Consistent with prior studies [6,20,21] our study showed that AI use was associated with a moderately increased risk of any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome compared to tamoxifen use in Taiwanese women with breast cancer. The exact mechanisms of endocrine therapy associated with musculoskeletal problems are not fully understood. As the correlation between low estrogen levels and joint pain has been recognized [23], one potential explanation is that AIs have a stronger effect of estrogen deprivation [5] compared to tamoxifen. Despite letrozole being observed with a stronger effect of estradiol suppression than anastrozole in breast cancer tissues from women receiving letrozole or anastrozole for four months [24], our PS-matched analyses showed no significant differences between letrozole and anastrozole in the risk of any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Our findings were consistent with the results of a randomized controlled trial (with <10% Asians) [25]. No significant association between exemestane and outcomes of interest may result from a small sample size of exemestane users and a relatively low incidence rate of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Moreover, relationships between any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome and other factors including age, taxane use, affective disorders, and analgesic use observed in our study have noteworthy implications for future research and patient care. AI use may increase arthritis risk or worsen arthritis symptoms, especially among older adults. Prior exposure to taxane use has been considered a risk factor of musculoskeletal problems based on one small cross-sectional study [8], but this association was not observed in our retrospective cohort study using the population-based nation-wide data. Given that endocrine therapies are often initiated after taxane treatment [2], and taxane use may cause acute pain syndromes within two to three days after infusion and last for five to seven days [26], excluding women having a history of arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome in the 12 months prior to endocrine therapy initiation in our study allowed us to evaluate the true effects of endocrine therapy on musculoskeletal problems. The affective disorders, including depressive disorder and anxiety, are known to impact the pain symptoms and the level of pain reported [27] and may be associated with medication non-adherence [28]. As the success of endocrine therapy depends on patients’ adherence and the tolerability of the medication, it is important for health care professionals to discuss the potential benefits and risks with women with breast cancer receiving endocrine therapy, and take into account their informed preferences regarding their treatment.
Strengths of the current study include use of a nationwide claims database that covers nearly all Taiwanese women with breast cancer, the ability to capture complete information on comorbidities, treatments, procedures, and medications reimbursed by the NHI, and use of sophisticated PS matching approaches to balance numerous confounding factors that may influence the risk estimates. Furthermore, we recognized death as a competing risk in our analysis (i.e., women receiving endocrine therapy had to be alive to be suffering from the treatment-related adverse events). We applied cause-specific Cox models and included the National Cancer Institute Index [17] as a factor predicting the 1-year mortality after endocrine therapy [29].
Our study has several limitations. First, our study relied on administrative claims data that lacked information on cancer stage, laboratory results, and socio-behavioral information (e.g., obesity, using granulocyte-colony stimulating factor out of pocket due to it not being under NHI’s coverage in Taiwan). However, we excluded women who had a history of bone metastasis and included prior cancer treatments, procedures and image work-ups as surrogates for cancer staging in our analyses. Second, due to the inherent limitations of an observational retrospective study using claims data, it is unknown whether the dispensed drugs were actually taken by the patients. Potential unmeasured confounders cannot be ruled out from our observational study. Third, we grouped women based on their initial endocrine therapy, but they might switch to different therapies. A previous study using NHIRD data has shown that 16% of the tamoxifen users switched to AIs, 6% of the AI users switched to tamoxifen, and less than 4% of women had multiple switches [30]. If a higher proportion of women using tamoxifen switched to AIs in our study, we may have underestimated the risk of any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome for AIs.

5. Conclusions

In conclusion, in this population-based study using nationwide claims data, Taiwanese women with breast cancer-initiating AIs had an increased risk of any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome compared to those who initiated tamoxifen. Prior exposure to taxane was not a risk factor of any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Our findings provide real-world evidence for clinicians to consider the possibility of AI-associated musculoskeletal problems when women initiate endocrine therapy and provide timely and proper management to avoid discontinuation of AI therapy.

Supplementary Materials

The following are available online at https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/2/566/s1, Table S1: Operational Definitions of Medications, Table S2: Operational Definitions of Disease and Procedures, Table S3: Propensity-Scored Matched Analyses: Variables Included and Matching Algorithms, Table S4: Aromatase Inhibitors Use and Risk of Any Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Multivariable Cause-specific Cox model (Full Model), Table S5: Risk of Any Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Multivariable Cause-specific Cox Models Using Propensity Scored Cohorts (Sensitivity/Subgroup Analyses).

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, H.-C.C., W.-H.L.-C., C.K.K., and Y.-H.K.Y.; methodology, H.-C.C., W.-H.L.-C., C.K.K., P.C., and Y.-H.K.Y.; formal analysis, H.-C.C.; resources, H.-C.C., W.-H.L.-C., C.K.K., and Y.-H.K.Y.; data curation, H.-C.C.; writing—original draft preparation, H.-C.C., and W.-H.L.-C.; writing—review and editing, H.-C.C., W.-H.L.-C., C.K.K., P.C., D.L.W. and Y.-H.K.Y.; visualization, W.-H.L.-C., C.K.K., and Y.-H.K.Y.; supervision, W.-H.L.-C., C.K.K., and Y.-H.K.Y.; project administration, H.-C.C., W.-H.L.-C., C.K.K., and Y.-H.K.Y.; funding acquisition, C.K.K. and Y.-H.K.Y. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

Chien was supported as a post-doctoral associate under Stephen’s fund from the University of Arizona Arthritis Center. Kao Yang is supported by the Taiwan Ministry of Science and Technology (grant No. 102-2628-B-006-003-MY3).

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Yu-Jing Cheng, MS for the technical support in SAS programming. Cheng’s affiliation is the Health Outcome Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. None of the additional contributors received additional compensation for their work.

Conflicts of Interest

Kwoh has received grant funding from Abbvie and EMD Serono. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

References

  1. Ferlay, J.; Soerjomataram, I.; Dikshit, R.; Eser, S.; Mathers, C.; Rebelo, M.; Parkin, D.M.; Forman, D.; Bray, F. Cancer incidence and mortality worldwide: Sources, methods and major patterns in GLOBOCAN 2012. International journal of cancer. J. Int. Du Cancer 2015, 136, E359–E386. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  2. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Breast Cancer. Available online: https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/breast.pdf (accessed on 16 April 2018).
  3. Baum, M.; Budzar, A.U.; Cuzick, J.; Forbes, J.; Houghton, J.H.; Klijn, J.G.; Sahmoud, T. Anastrozole alone or in combination with tamoxifen versus tamoxifen alone for adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with early breast cancer: First results of the ATAC randomised trial. Lancet 2002, 359, 2131–2139. [Google Scholar]
  4. Mouridsen, H.; Gershanovich, M.; Sun, Y.; Perez-Carrion, R.; Boni, C.; Monnier, A.; Apffelstaedt, J.; Smith, R.; Sleeboom, H.P.; Janicke, F.; et al. Superior efficacy of letrozole versus tamoxifen as first-line therapy for postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer: Results of a phase III study of the International Letrozole Breast Cancer Group. J. Clin. Oncol. Off. J. Am. Soc. Clin. Oncol. 2001, 19, 2596–2606. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  5. Niravath, P. Aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia: A review. Ann. Oncol. Off. J. Eur. Soc. Med. Oncol. 2013, 24, 1443–1449. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  6. Beckwee, D.; Leysen, L.; Meuwis, K.; Adriaenssens, N. Prevalence of aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia in breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Supportive Care Cancer Off. J. Multinatl. Assoc. Supportive Care Cancer 2017, 25, 1673–1686. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  7. Mao, J.J.; Stricker, C.; Bruner, D.; Xie, S.; Bowman, M.A.; Farrar, J.T.; Greene, B.T.; DeMichele, A. Patterns and risk factors associated with aromatase inhibitor-related arthralgia among breast cancer survivors. Cancer 2009, 115, 3631–3639. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  8. Crew, K.D.; Greenlee, H.; Capodice, J.; Raptis, G.; Brafman, L.; Fuentes, D.; Sierra, A.; Hershman, D.L. Prevalence of joint symptoms in postmenopausal women taking aromatase inhibitors for early-stage breast cancer. J. Clin. Oncol. Off. J. Am. Soc. Clin. Oncol. 2007, 25, 3877–3883. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Kanematsu, M.; Morimoto, M.; Honda, J.; Nagao, T.; Nakagawa, M.; Takahashi, M.; Tangoku, A.; Sasa, M. The time since last menstrual period is important as a clinical predictor for non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor-related arthralgia. BMC Cancer 2011, 11, 436. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  10. De Placido, S.; Gallo, C.; De Laurentiis, M.; Bisagni, G.; Arpino, G.; Sarobba, M.G.; Riccardi, F.; Russo, A.; Del Mastro, L.; Cogoni, A.A.; et al. Adjuvant anastrozole versus exemestane versus letrozole, upfront or after 2 years of tamoxifen, in endocrine-sensitive breast cancer (FATA-GIM3): A randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet. Oncol. 2018, 19, 474–485. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Yagata, H.; Ohtsu, H.; Komoike, Y.; Saji, S.; Takei, H.; Nakamura, T.; Ohashi, Y.; Iwase, T.; Shimozuma, K. Joint symptoms and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women with breast cancer who completed 5 years of anastrozole. Supportive Care Cancer Off. J. Multinatl. Assoc. Supportive Care Cancer 2016, 24, 683–689. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  12. Egawa, C.; Hirokaga, K.; Takao, S.; Yamagami, K.; Miyashita, M.; Baba, M.; Ichii, S.; Konishi, M.; Kikawa, Y.; Minohata, J.; et al. Risk factors for joint symptoms in postmenopausal Japanese breast cancer patients treated with anastrozole: A prospective multicenter cohort study of patient-reported outcomes. Int. J. Clin. Oncol. 2016, 21, 262–269. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  13. Youlden, D.R.; Cramb, S.M.; Yip, C.H.; Baade, P.D. Incidence and mortality of female breast cancer in the Asia-Pacific region. Cancer Biol. Med. 2014, 11, 101–115. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  14. Ma, B.B.; Hui, E.P.; Mok, T.S. Population-based differences in treatment outcome following anticancer drug therapies. Lancet. Oncol. 2010, 11, 75–84. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Guidelines for ATC Classification and DDD Assignment 2013; WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology: Oslo, Norway, 2012; Available online: https://www.whocc.no/filearchive/publications/1_2013guidelines.pdf (accessed on 16 April 2018).
  16. Mansell, J.; Monypenny, I.J.; Skene, A.I.; Abram, P.; Carpenter, R.; Gattuso, J.M.; Wilson, C.R.; Angerson, W.J.; Doughty, J.C. Patterns and predictors of early recurrence in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive early breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res. Treat. 2009, 117, 91–98. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  17. Klabunde CN, P.A.; Legler, J.M.; Warren, J.L. Development of a comorbidity index using physician claims data. J. Clin. Epidemiol. 2000, 53, 10. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Solomon, D.H.; Katz, J.N.; Bohn, R.; Mogun, H.; Avorn, J. Nonoccupational risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome. J. Gen. Intern. Med. 1999, 14, 310–314. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  19. Austin, P.C. Optimal caliper widths for propensity-score matching when estimating differences in means and differences in proportions in observational studies. Pharm. Stat. 2011, 10, 150–161. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  20. Mieog, J.S.; Morden, J.P.; Bliss, J.M.; Coombes, R.C.; Van de Velde, C.J. Carpal tunnel syndrome and musculoskeletal symptoms in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer treated with exemestane or tamoxifen after 2-3 years of tamoxifen: A retrospective analysis of the Intergroup Exemestane Study. Lancet. Oncol. 2012, 13, 420–432. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Sestak, I.; Sapunar, F.; Cuzick, J. Aromatase inhibitor-induced carpal tunnel syndrome: Results from the ATAC trial. J. Clin. Oncol. Off. J. Am. Soc. Clin. Oncol. 2009, 27, 4961–4965. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Chronic Conditions Data Warehours. CCW Chronic Conditions. Available online: https://www.ccwdata.org/web/guest/condition-categories (accessed on 23 April 2018).
  23. Cecil, R.L.; Archer, B.H. Arthritis of the menopause: A study of fifty cases. J. Am. Med Assoc. 1925, 84, 75–79. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Geisler, J.; Helle, H.; Ekse, D.; Duong, N.K.; Evans, D.B.; Nordbo, Y.; Aas, T.; Lonning, P.E. Letrozole is superior to anastrozole in suppressing breast cancer tissue and plasma estrogen levels. Clin. Cancer Res. Off. J. Am. Assoc. Cancer Res. 2008, 14, 6330–6335. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  25. Smith, I.; Yardley, D.; Burris, H.; De Boer, R.; Amadori, D.; McIntyre, K.; Ejlertsen, B.; Gnant, M.; Jonat, W.; Pritchard, K.I.; et al. Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Adjuvant Letrozole Versus Anastrozole in Postmenopausal Patients With Hormone Receptor-Positive, Node-Positive Early Breast Cancer: Final Results of the Randomized Phase III Femara Versus Anastrozole Clinical Evaluation (FACE) Trial. J. Clin. Oncol. Off. J. Am. Soc. Clin. Oncol. 2017, 35, 1041–1048. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  26. Fernandes, R.; Mazzarello, S.; Hutton, B.; Shorr, R.; Majeed, H.; Ibrahim, M.F.; Jacobs, C.; Ong, M.; Clemons, M. Taxane acute pain syndrome (TAPS) in patients receiving taxane-based chemotherapy for breast cancer-a systematic review. Supportive Care Cancer Off. J. Multinatl. Assoc. Supportive Care Cancer 2016, 24, 3633–3650. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  27. Bair, M.J.; Robinson, R.L.; Katon, W.; Kroenke, K. Depression and pain comorbidity: A literature review. Arch. Intern. Med. 2003, 163, 2433–2445. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  28. DiMatteo, M.R.; Lepper, H.S.; Croghan, T.W. Depression is a risk factor for noncompliance with medical treatment: Meta-analysis of the effects of anxiety and depression on patient adherence. Arch. Intern. Med. 2000, 160, 2101–2107. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  29. David, G.; Kleinbaum, M.K. Survival Analysis. A Self-Learning Text, 3rd ed.; Springer: New York, NY, USA, 2012; pp. 127–131. Available online: https://epdf.pub/survival-analysis-a-self-learning-text-third-edition.html. (accessed on 18 February 2020).
  30. Hsieh, K.P.; Chen, L.C.; Cheung, K.L.; Yang, Y.H. Risks of nonadherence to hormone therapy in Asian women with breast cancer. Kaohsiung J. Med. Sci. 2015, 31, 328–334. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
Jcm 09 00566 g001 550
Figure 1. Selection of Analytical Cohort Flow Chart.
Figure 1. Selection of Analytical Cohort Flow Chart.
Jcm 09 00566 g001
Table
Table 1. Baseline Characteristics of Women with Breast Cancer by Initial Endocrine Therapy (n= 32,055).
Table 1. Baseline Characteristics of Women with Breast Cancer by Initial Endocrine Therapy (n= 32,055).
CharacteristicsAnastrozole
(n = 1270, 3.9%)		Letrozole
(n = 2573, 8.0%)		Exemestane
(n = 233, 0.7%)		Tamoxifen
(n = 27,979, 87.4%)		p Value
Mean age (SD)61.3 (10.8)60.3 (9.3)61.9 (10.5)51.4 (11.3)<0001
Year of endocrine therapy initiation
2007–2010932 (4.6)174 (0.9)1249 (6.2)17,825 (88.3)<0001
2011–2012338 (2.8)59 (0.5)1324 (11.1)10,154 (85.5)
History of treatment for breast cancer a
Primary tumor resection883 (69.5)1915 (74.4)95 (40.8)24,921 (89.1)<0001
Radiation therapy171 (13.5)687 (26.7)29 (12.5)5386 (19.3)<0001
Chemotherapy
No chemotherapy854 (67.2)1262 (49.1)148 (63.5)17,711 (63.3)<0001
Non-taxane based228 (18.0)339 (13.2)31 (13.3)7237 (25.9)
Taxane based188 (14.8)972 (37.8)54 (23.2)3031 (10.8)
NCI index
0853 (67.2)1697 (66.0)158 (67.8)22,573 (80.7)<0001
1243 (19.1)565 (22.0)45 (19.3)3753 (13.4)
≥2174 (13.7)311 (12.1)30 (12.9)1653 (5.9)
Comorbidities/Medications b
Hypertension615 (48.4)1226 (47.7)106 (45.5)8529 (30.5)<0001
Diabetes271 (21.3)529 (20.6)52 (22.3)2957 (10.6)<0001
Dyslipidemia275 (21.7)599 (23.3)55 (23.6)3953 (14.1)<0001
Affective disorders565 (44.5)1225 (47.6)104 (44.6)11,368 (40.6)<0001
Chronic kidney disease24 (1.9)43 (1.7)4 (1.7)264 (0.9)0001
Liver cirrhosis22 (1.7)17 (0.7)4 (1.7)152 (0.5)<0001
Wrist fracture10 (0.8)2 (0.9)13 (0.5)130 (0.5)34
Thyroxine27 (2.1)60 (2.3)2 (0.9)478 (1.7)06
Analgesic use
Opioids106 (8.4)206 (8.0)26 (11.2)1225 (4.4)<0001
NSAIDs/acetaminophen1001 (78.8)2089 (81.2)174 (74.7)22,653 (81.0)<0001
Type of treatment Hospitals
Located in capital areas859 (67.6)1389 (54.0)160 (68.7)15,565 (55.6)<0001
Medical centers584 (46.0)909 (35.3)68 (29.2)11,852 (42.4)<0001
Abbreviations: NCI: National Cancer Institute, NSAIDs: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. a Prior treatment was measured within 12 months before endocrine therapy initiation. b Hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and affective disorders were identified by ICD-9 codes and/or medications within 12 months before endocrine therapy initiation. The remaining were identified by ICD-9 codes.
Table
Table 2. Aromatase Inhibitors Use and Risk of Any Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Cause-specific Cox model.
Table 2. Aromatase Inhibitors Use and Risk of Any Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Cause-specific Cox model.
Any ArthritisCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
Endocrine TherapyIncidence, %Unadjusted
(HR, 95% CI)		Adjusted a
(aHR, 95% CI)		Incidence, %Unadjusted
(HR, 95% CI)		Adjusteda
(aHR, 95% CI)
Tamoxifen8.2ReferentReferent0.8ReferentReferent
AIs13.01.66
(1.51–1.82)		1.21
(1.09–1.34)		1.41.52
(1.13–2.03)		1.68
(1.22–2.32)
Tamoxifen8.2ReferentReferent0.8ReferentReferent
Anastrozole12.01.54
(1.31–1.81)		1.11
(0.94–1.31)		1.31.52
(0.93–2.48)		1.77
(1.07–2.93)
Exemestane11.21.50
(1.02–2.21)		1.10
(0.74–1.63)		0.91.02
(0.25–4.10)		1.30
(0.32–5.30)
Letrozole13.61.73
(1.55–1.94)		1.27
(1.12–1.44)		1.41.56
(1.10–2.21)		1.65
(1.13–2.42)
Abbreviations: aHR: adjust hazard ratio; CI: confidence interval; HR: hazard ratio a Multivariable cause-specific Cox models for the risk of any arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome both adjusted for age, year of initiating endocrine therapy, history of primary tumor resection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, National Cancer Institute index, history of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, affective disorders, chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, use of opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/acetaminophen, hospital location, and hospital type. The model for carpal tunnel syndrome additionally adjusted for a history of wrist fracture and the use of thyroxine.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Chien, H.-C.; Kao Yang, Y.-H.; Kwoh, C.K.; Chalasani, P.; Wilson, D.L.; Lo-Ciganic, W.-H. Aromatase Inhibitors and Risk of Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among Taiwanese Women with Breast Cancer: A Nationwide Claims Data Analysis. J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9, 566. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9020566

AMA Style

Chien H-C, Kao Yang Y-H, Kwoh CK, Chalasani P, Wilson DL, Lo-Ciganic W-H. Aromatase Inhibitors and Risk of Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among Taiwanese Women with Breast Cancer: A Nationwide Claims Data Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020; 9(2):566. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9020566

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chien, Hsu-Chih, Yea-Huei Kao Yang, C. Kent Kwoh, Pavani Chalasani, Debbie L. Wilson, and Wei-Hsuan Lo-Ciganic. 2020. "Aromatase Inhibitors and Risk of Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among Taiwanese Women with Breast Cancer: A Nationwide Claims Data Analysis" Journal of Clinical Medicine 9, no. 2: 566. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9020566

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop