A critical evaluation of the role of aromatase inhibitors as adjuvant therapy for postmenopausal women with breast cancer

Endocr Relat Cancer. 2011 Jun 8;18(3):R79-89. doi: 10.1530/ERC-10-0162. Print 2011 Jun.

Abstract

The introduction of aromatase inhibitors (AI) has provided more options for adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women; they are associated with improved disease-free survival, but less commonly with improvements in overall survival. Current evidence suggests that women at high risk of recurrence, especially those with node-positive disease, should receive an AI for 2 years as part of their treatment, but routine prescription of AIs to postmenopausal patients with low-risk disease is not appropriate. Not only the expected benefits but also the specific toxicity of the prescribed hormone therapy, and its cost, should be considered when selecting treatment.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality
  • Carcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma / mortality
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Postmenopause* / drug effects
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Aromatase Inhibitors