OAB symptoms may increase in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Symptoms of overactive bladder (OAC) tend to rise among women receiving both trastuzumab and pertuzumab for HER2-positive positive breast cancer during their treatment, reports a study.

Fifty-eight of 65 patients completed this prospective, longitudinal study conducted from 2017 to 2023 at Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, US.

Overall, no significant increase in OAB symptoms was observed at any time point compared to baseline. However, an analysis of data according to different chemotherapy regimens revealed significantly higher scores on the questionnaires after the start of treatment in patients being treated with HER2 monoclonal antibodies, either trastuzumab alone or in combination with pertuzumab.

When anti-HER2-treated patients were further stratified, the investigators noted more significant urinary tract discomfort and changes in quality of life reported, particularly at the 6- and 12-month time points, among those receiving both monoclonal antibodies, trastuzumab and pertuzumab.

“We conclude from our study that women receiving both trastuzumab and pertuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer may experience an increase in OAB symptoms during the course of their treatment,” the investigators said.

The investigators examined the effects of chemotherapy on the development of OAB in patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer, lung cancer, or lymphoma. Participants were asked to complete five validated questionnaires regarding bladder symptoms prior to initiation of chemotherapy and again at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months.