Understanding the role of both menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) along with non-hormonal options for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms, sleep disruption, and genitourinary symptoms after menopause is critical to the health of women during middle and later life. Recent updates to the evidence for the treatment of menopausal symptoms pertaining to both hormonal and non-hormonal therapies as well as updated guidance from specialty societies can help guide clinicians in their treatment of women going through natural menopause or with estrogen deficiencies due to primary ovarian insufficiency or induced menopause from surgery or medications. The objective of this narrative review is to provide clinicians with an overview of MHT for the use of menopausal symptoms in women, incorporating updated primary evidence for risk versus benefit profiles, recent specialty society recommendations, and alternative, non-hormonal options. In this review, we summarize literature on the use of MHT for menopause-related symptomatology including options for formulations and dosages of MHT, non-hormonal treatment options, and the risk–benefit profile of MHT including long-term health consequences (eg, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, venous thromboembolism, and fracture risk). Finally, we highlight areas in which future research is needed to advance care of women after menopause. In summary, both hormonal (MHT) and non-hormonal options exist to treat symptoms of menopause. There is strong evidence for safety and effectiveness of MHT for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms among women who are less than 60 years of age, less than 10 years since menopause, and without significant cardiometabolic comorbidities. For others, treatment with hormonal versus non-hormonal therapies can be considered based on individual risk profiles, as well as other factors such as drug formulation, therapeutic goals, and symptom severity.
10076 Background: The Committee on Cancer set a benchmark for the provision of survivorship care plans (SCP) to ≥50% of early cancer patients by the end of 2017 despite limited data indicating benefit. One hypothesis is that SCP will reduce overuse of medical care in survivors. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients with early breast cancer (BC) who were seen by a single nurse practitioner (NP) for provision of SCP after completion of primary therapy (surgery, radiation +/- chemotherapy). We evaluated adherence to recommendations for follow-up (FU) care and testing in accordance with established guidelines. Results: Between August 2013 and December 2014, 152 patients received SCP after completion of primary therapy (median 2 months, range 0-27). 98% of SCP were given to patients, but only 38% were sent to primary care providers (PCP). Median FU was 23 months. Among 130 patients who did not undergo bilateral mastectomy for whom surveillance breast imaging (SBI) was recommended, 10 (8%) had 1st SBI ≥3 months earlier than time recommended (TR), 102 (78%) within 2 months of TR, 12 (9%) ≥3 months after TR, and 6 (5%) lacked confirmation of 1st SBI. Among 113 in whom 2nd SBI dates were specified, 25 (23%) had SBI ≥3 months earlier than TR, 62 (55%) within 2 months of TR, 7 (6%) ≥3 months after TR, and 18 (16%) lacked confirmation of 2nd SBI. Among 71 patients for whom first medical oncology (MO) FU visit dates are known, 64 (90%) occurred within 3 months of TR and among 81 patients for whom first radiation oncology (RO) FU visit dates are known, 67 (83%) occurred within 3 months of TR. However, among 47 patients for whom first FU visit dates with at least 2 types of providers (MO, RO and/or surgery) are known, 15 (32%) visited 2 providers within 2 months of one other. During the 1styear after completion of primary therapy, 22% underwent body imaging (CT, PET-CT, or bone scan) and 21% had liver function tests. Conclusions: Despite provision of a SCP to patients, PCP were often not notified and healthcare utilization exceeded recommendations. Nearly a third of patients had redundant visits, a fourth had SBI earlier than recommended, and a fifth had body imaging and lab testing. Ongoing efforts are needed to coordinate care and minimize unnecessary testing in BC survivors.
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