A practical overview of aromatase inhibitors in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Tamoxifen has been the standard adjuvant therapy for patients with breast cancer for the last several decades. Several recently completed adjuvant trials using aromatase inhibitors have shown the superiority of these agents over Tamoxifen or placebo, when used in postmenopausal women. The results from these trials present a challenging situation for practicing oncologists with regards to the choice, duration, sequence of therapy, follow up and side effects of aromatase inhibitors. We have discussed various management issues from a practical angle for oncologists to effectively use these agents, with an evidence-based approach.
Younus
Jawaid
J
Department of Medical Oncology, London Regional Cancer Centre, 790 Commissioners Road, East London, Ontario N6A 4L6, Canada. jawaid.younus@lrcc.on.ca
Vandenberg
Theodore A
TA
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009376:Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / Q000188:drug therapy; D017698:Postmenopause; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone; D013629:Tamoxifen