Aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer.
The development of aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer therapy is a result of successful translational research exploring the biochemical effects of different compounds in vivo. Studies assessing plasma oestrogen levels as well as in vivo aromatase inhibition have revealed a consistent difference with respect to biochemical efficacy between the third generation compounds (anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane) and the previous, first and second generation drugs, corresponding to the improved clinical effects of these compounds as outlined in large phase III studies. Thus, endocrine evaluation has been found to be a valid surrogate parameter for clinical efficacy. Moreover, the results from these studies have added important biological information to our understanding of endocrine regulation of breast cancer. Based on the clinical results so far, aromatase inhibitors are believed to play a key role in future adjuvant therapy of postmenopausal breast cancer patients and potentially also for breast cancer prevention. Interesting findings such as the lack of cross-resistance between steroidal and non-steroidal compounds should be further explored, as this may add additional information to our understanding of breast cancer biology.
Lønning
P E
PE
Section of Oncology, Institute of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway. per.lonning@helse-bergen.no
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001141:Aromatase / Q000378:metabolism*; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D001141:Aromatase