Muna Al-Khaifi, Lead of Breast Cancer Survivorship Program and GP oncologist, Skin Cancer Clinic at Sunnybrook, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats remain one of the most common and distressing challenges faced by breast cancer survivors receiving endocrine therapy.
These symptoms affect far more than comfort alone – they impact sleep, mood, daily functioning, quality of life, and importantly, treatment adherence. Evidence suggests that up to 20–25% of patients may discontinue endocrine therapy early due to uncontrolled symptoms.
In my latest article, I review the current evidence, non-hormonal treatment strategies, and emerging therapies such as Fezolinetant and Elinzanetant, which may represent an important shift in survivorship care.
Here are my thoughts:
- Emerging therapies are practice-changing and may significantly expand options for breast cancer survivors.
- Management should be individualized and symptom-cluster driven, recognizing that patients rarely experience isolated symptoms.
- Treating VMS is not just about comfort – it may influence adherence and long-term outcomes.
- Non-pharmacological approaches remain important, though often insufficient alone for moderate to severe symptoms.
- Longitudinal, patient-centred survivorship care is essential.
As cancer outcomes continue to improve, the definition of success in oncology must evolve beyond survival alone to include the quality of life patients experience with, through, and beyond cancer.”
Other articles featuring Muna Al-Khaifi on OncoDaily.