Abstract PS1-02-07: Follow-up in Early and Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients: An EORTC QLG-BCG-ROG Protocol-Results of EORTC QLQ-BR42 and EORTC QLQ-SHQ22

Abstract Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women globally. However, evidence-based follow-up strategies that address long-term risks, patient needs, and quality of life (QoL) remain limited. This study investigates the prevalence and nature of physical, psychological, and social challenges faced by women after treatment for early (EBC) or locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Initial findings presented at SABCS 2024 showed that EBC and LABC survivors reported better overall health/QoL than the general population, but worse outcomes in insomnia, cognitive, and social functioning (as assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30)—particularly among LABC patients. This abstract focuses on results from the breast cancer-specific (EORTC QLQ-BR42) and sexual health (EORTC QLQ-SHQ-22) modules, exploring patterns by demographic and clinical variables. Methods: EORTC 1617-QLG-BCG-ROG is an international, cross-sectional, non-interventional study involving disease-free patients 1–3 years post-primary treatment (excluding endocrine therapy) for EBC or LABC. Data on institutional, demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-BR42, QLQ-SHQ-22, QLQ-OUT-PATSAT-7, a follow-up strategy question, and the Distress Thermometer. A sample size of 830 was required to detect a 10-point difference between cohorts with 90% power. Stratification by age, Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI), and treatment ensured balanced accrual. Multivariable prognostic models were constructed for each PRO scale, adjusted for propensity with a relevant relationship defined by 5% significance level. Results: From November 2020 to September 2022, 833 patients ( 82 % EBC; 17% LABC) were enrolled at 25 centres in 10 countries. A total of 805 (97%) eligible patients either fully or partially completed their questionnaires. Regarding clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, better WHO status correlates with better hand/foot symptoms/polyneuropathy, greater sexual satisfaction and perceived importance of sexual activity. Older patients reported fewer endocrine, arm, and breast symptoms, better body image and future perspective compared to younger women, as well as fewer problems with decreased libido, fatigue, treatment-related sexual issues, partnership, body image, and pain. Older patients also reported lower sexual satisfaction and worse communication with professionals, despite attaching less importance on sexual activity. Younger women, women with higher education level and those living with partner reported better sexual functioning and greater importance of sexual activity. Women with longer follow up reported more systemic, endocrine, arm, hand/foot symptoms, more weight gain and more problems with incontinence, treatment-related sexual issues, and higher sexual satisfaction. High volume institutions were associated with fewer breast symptoms but worse breast satisfaction. Private setting was linked with more endocrine and arm symptoms. Patients in follow-up in breast units reported worse skeletal symptoms compared to institutions without a breast unit. Higher nodal status correlated with poorer body image, more arm symptoms, greater fatigue, and treatment-related sexual issues. Conclusions: Despite being disease-free, women with EBC and LABC continue to experience significant QoL and sexual health challenges. Younger patients are particularly vulnerable to post-treatment symptoms. Institutional factors, such as follow-up duration and center volume, influence outcomes. Sociodemographic factors like education and partnership status positively impact sexual health. These findings are essential for developing tailored, evidence-based follow-up strategies for breast cancer survivors. Citation Format: V. Bjelic-Radisic, K. Pogoda, D. Cameron, G. Velikova, M. Beauvois, C. Coens, L. Lim, T. Verbiest, G. Sarlet, N. Nevries, S. Serpentini, H. Abdel-Razeq, J. Kaźmierska, T. Kuhnt, E. Fernández Lizarbe, E. Cretella, I. Meattini, F. van Duijnhoven, I. Rubio, R. Popescu, S. Hartup, H. Roelstraete, F. Cardoso. Follow-up in Early and Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients: An EORTC QLG-BCG-ROG Protocol-Results of EORTC QLQ-BR42 and EORTC QLQ-SHQ22 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS1-02-07.