Factors Involved in Delaying Initiation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy After Breast Cancer Surgery

Abstract

Background: Delays in initiating adjuvant chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery seems to have an impact on patients' risk of relapse and their survival rate. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify factors delaying initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy after breast surgery.

Material and methods: All patients undergoing surgical treatment for mammary cancer between June 2014 and June 2015 and receiving adjuvant chemotherapy were selected retrospectively.

Results: In multivariate analysis, 3 factors significantly delay initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy: a secondary procedure (odds ratio [OR], 6.67; P = .00012), inclusion in a therapeutic trial (OR, 8.46; P = .0013), and a positive HER2 status (OR, 3.02; P = .063 [statistically significant]).

Discussion: This study provides a brief overview of the population most likely to experience a delay in the initiation of their adjuvant chemotherapy after cancer surgery. Our findings should assist interventions during initial management.

Keywords: Breast cancer surgery; Delay of adjuvant chemotherapy.