University of Florence

EUROPA Trial: Radiotherapy Preserves Quality of Life Better Than Endocrine Therapy in Older Breast Cancer Patients

5 months ago

• Interim analysis of the EUROPA trial reveals that radiotherapy is associated with better health-related quality of life (HRQOL) compared to endocrine therapy in older women with low-risk early breast cancer. • The study, involving 731 women aged 70 and older, assessed HRQOL using the EORTC QOL Questionnaire-30, showing a smaller decline in global health status in the radiotherapy group at 24 months. • Treatment-related adverse events were more frequent in the endocrine therapy group, with higher rates of arthralgia, fatigue, and hot flashes, leading to more treatment discontinuations. • Researchers suggest radiotherapy may be a less burdensome alternative, but emphasize the need for further data on disease control outcomes to draw definitive conclusions.