Abstract
Controversial results exist regarding the influence of exemestane on serum lipids
in women affected with breast cancer. Since CVD remains the predominate cause of
demise in women with breast cancer and considering the long-term use of
exemestane in women with breast cancer, this meta-analysis holds significant
value. Hence, we carried out the current meta-analysis of randomized controlled
trials (RCTs) to evaluate the impact of exemestane treatment on lipid parameters
in women with breast cancer. PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus
databases were explored for articles published from inception till December 3,
2024. A random effect analysis was employed for result generation as weighted
mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Six eligible and
relevant RCTs were incorporated in this meta-analysis. The comprehensive
findings from random effect analysis indicated a reduction in TC (WMD: –8.13
mg/dl, 95% CI: –14.48 to –1.79, p=0.012), HDL-C (WMD: –6.60 mg/dl; 95% CI: –8.17
to –5.01, p<0.001) and an increase in LDL-C (WMD: 4.66 mg/dl; 95% CI: 0.26 to
9.06, p=0.038) after exemestane intervention. Additionally, a noteworthy decline
in the levels of TG was noted in studies lasting less than 12 months duration
(WMD: –16.18 mg/dl; 95% CI: –25.99 to –6.37, p=0.001). Exemestane influences the
lipid parameters in women with breast cancer. It elevates LDL-C levels while
decreasing TC, TG, and HDL-C concentrations.
Keywords
exemestane - breast cancer women - lipid profile - high density lipoprotein - triglycerides