Rates of major complications during neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer: An off study population

• Chemotherapy major complications are frequently underestimated in off-trial patients with early breast cancer.
• The incidence of thromboembolic events in this patient population was 7.4% (95% CI 4.8–10.6).
• The incidence of febrile neutropenia in this patient population was 19.1% (95% CI 15.0–23.4).
• Thromboembolic events or febrile neutropenia lead to reduced relative dose intensity delivery.

ObjectivesTo determine the incidence and risk factors for thromboembolic events (TE) and febrile neutropenia (FN) in patients receiving systemic chemotherapy for early breast cancer (EBC).Methods325 patients received FEC75, FEC100-T or ECaP for EBC in 2013.ResultsTE occurred in 7.4% and FN in 19.1% of patients. Risk factors for TE were: central venous catheter (p = 0.011). Risk factors for FN were: FEC100-T treatment versus FEC75 and ECaP (p ≤ 0.001); lower pre-treatment neutrophil count (p = 0.009) and poorer performance status (p = 0.012). Two patients died from treatment-related toxicities.ConclusionIn real-world experience, the majority of patients completed adequate treatment, despite significant complications.