Adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for early breast cancer: A review of the most recent data

J Surg Oncol. 2006 Jun 1;93(7):585-92. doi: 10.1002/jso.20564.

Abstract

Tamoxifen is the established adjuvant treatment for postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive early breast cancer. However, the side-effects associated with tamoxifen therapy have prompted a search for safer and potentially more effective endocrine agents. Results from randomized trials of the third-generation aromatase inhibitors, anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane, demonstrating improved efficacy compared with tamoxifen and favorable tolerability profiles, are discussed in this review.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anastrozole
  • Androstadienes / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use*
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Letrozole
  • Nitriles / therapeutic use
  • Postmenopause
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Tamoxifen / therapeutic use*
  • Triazoles / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Androstadienes
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Nitriles
  • Triazoles
  • Tamoxifen
  • Anastrozole
  • Letrozole
  • exemestane