Hematologic and Cardiac Adverse Reactions to the First Chemotherapy Regimen in Women with Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer

Reacciones adversas hematológicas y cardiacas ante el primer esquema de quimioterapia en mujeres con cáncer de mama no metastásico

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant neoplasm and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. The effectiveness of treatment depends on completing the full course; however, adverse reactions to chemotherapy can limit treatment, deteriorate quality of life, and decrease survival rates. Assessing the incidence and severity of these reactions is crucial for prognosis. Objective: To determine the incidence of grade 1 to 5 hematological and cardiac adverse reactions in women aged 18 to 80 years with non-metastatic breast cancer undergoing their first chemotherapy regimen. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, single-cohort retrospective study was conducted on patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and 2022, who were managed with their first chemotherapy regimen at an institution in Bogotá D.C. Results: A total of 295 patient medical records were reviewed, revealing an overall incidence of hematological adverse reactions of 94,24% (95% CI: 90,97% - 96,37%), with an incidence of 31,20% (95% CI: 26,20% - 36,70%) for grade 3 and 4 severity. The incidence of cardiotoxicity was 8,80% (95% CI: 5,50% - 12,10%). Discussion: Adverse reactions to chemotherapy are frequent and necessitate close monitoring to prevent complications. Identifying high-risk patients before initiating chemotherapy can significantly improve clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.