Pharmaceutical Sciences العلوم الصيدلانية

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Browsing Pharmaceutical Sciences العلوم الصيدلانية by Author "Aseel Hisham Salah Erekat"

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    A Retrospective analysis for Breast Cancer receptors’ prevalence, and HER2 positive Breast Cancer treatment regimens at Palestinian MOH hospitals and Effect of cancer symptoms and treatment on breast cancer patients’ daily life activities
    (Al-Quds University, 2025-04-26) Aseel Hisham Salah Erekat; أسيل هشام صلاح عريقات
    Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, including in Palestine, where it constitutes a significant public health challenge. Identifying hormone receptors, such as ER, PR, and HER2, is critical for customizing therapy approaches and improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of breast cancer receptor subtypes, evaluate treatment regimens for HER2-positive breast cancer patients in Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals, and assess the impact of cancer symptoms and treatments on patients' daily activities using the Arabic version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-A). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using medical records of breast cancer patients treated in MOH hospitals between 2019 and 2021. The study included demographic data, receptor status (ER, PR, HER2), treatment regimens, and survival outcomes. Additionally, the MDASI-A was administered to assess the severity and interference of cancer-related symptoms in daily life. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, employing descriptive statistics and inferential tests to examine associations between variables. Results: A total of 1,234 breast cancer cases were analyzed, with an average age at diagnosis of 52.76 years. The majority (69%) were ER-positive, 58% were PR-positive, and 21% were HER2-positive. Triple-negative and triple-positive cases accounted for 10% each. Of the 265 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer registered in the Palestinian Cancer Registry, 220 (83%) were recorded as receiving a first-line treatment protocol. Of those 220 patients, 72 (32.7%) were recorded as receiving a second-line protocol, and 8 (3.6%) received a third-line protocol. Overall, 157 of the 220 patients (71%) were treated in accordance with NCCN guidelines, across all treatment lines. Results from MDASI indicate that the symptom (Loss of appetite) has the highest reported symptom 86%, followed by Nausea with an average of 78.5% and the symptom (Lack of remembering) at the lowest 16.5%, followed by the symptom Shortness of breath with an average of 36.2%. Most of the patients 52.4% reported the symptoms are moderate. When evaluating symptom interference with life for cancer patients the (Activity) had the highest interference 65.2, followed by (Mood) with an average of 62.1%. and then (Relationship with others) at lowest value of 28.9%, followed by the (Walking) with an average of 30.1%. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for continued improvements in breast cancer management in Palestine, particularly in adherence to international treatment guidelines and symptom management. The study also highlights the utility of MDASI-A in identifying symptom burden and guiding supportive care strategies. Future research should focus on prospective studies to assess treatment outcomes over time and explore interventions for optimizing the quality of life of breast cancer patients.