Comparative effectiveness of tamoxifen, toremifene, letrozole, anastrozole, and exemestane on lipid profiles in breast cancer patients: A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant endocrine therapy is a vital portion of postoperative comprehensive treatment for breast cancer patients. In recent years, studies have shown that endocrine therapy has a certain impact on the serum lipids of breast cancer patients, and the changes of lipid profiles may bring a series of problems. However, very few studies focus on this issue to date. The results of these studies are inconsistent, and the influence of different adjuvant endocrine modalities on lipid profiles still remains controversial. In order to better explore this issue, we conduct this network meta-analysis. METHOD: The protocol followed preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocols. Three main databases (PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) will be searched systematically for eligible randomized controlled trials without language restriction. In addition, a manual search of the references of relevant published studies will also be considered. Two reviewers will conduct studies selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment independently. The primary outcome is the variation of biochemical parameters – the serum lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low low-density lipoprotein). RESULTS: The results will provide useful information about the side effects of different adjuvant endocrine drugs on lipid profiles in postoperative breast cancer patients (estrogen receptor-positive and/or progesterone receptor-positive). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019129850.