A Prospective Study Assessing the Impact of Different Chemotherapy Regimens and Type of Surgery on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Using the EORTC QLQ-BR45

Background: Breast cancer (BC) treatment modalities significantly impact patient's quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the effects of different chemotherapy (CHT) regimen and surgical approaches on QoL in BC patients using the EORTC QLQ-BR45 questionnaire. Methods: A prospective single arm study was conducted on 100 BC patients. Patients received AC/TAXOL, TCHP, or AC/TC CHT and underwent BCS/SLNB, BCS/ALND, or MRM surgery. QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-BR45 questionnaire. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, chi- square tests, and linear regression. Results: BCS/SLNB showed superior outcomes in most QoL domains, including body image (p=0.025) and systemic therapy side effects (p=0.004). Linear regression analysis identified regaining menstruation (β=6.90, p<0.001), BCS/SLNB surgery (β=4.40, p=0.003), and TCHP CHT (β=4.01, p=0.007) as significant positive predictors of overall QoL, while age showed a slight negative association (β=-0.31, p=0.025). Conclusions: TCHP CHT and BCS/SLNB surgery were associated with better QoL outcomes in BC patients. Regaining menstruation emerged as the strongest predictor of improved QoL. These findings highlight the importance of considering QoL impacts when selecting treatment strategies for BC patients.