title: Neoadjuvant use of endocrine therapy in breast cancer.
abstract: Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy is becoming increasingly popular as a safe and effective alternative to chemotherapy in selected patients. Large randomized studies have been published comparing tamoxifen with steroidal and nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors, with favorable results for aromatase inhibitors letrozole, anastrozole, and exemestane. Endocrine therapy can be used in the neoadjuvant setting for conversion of inoperable breast tumors to operable, and from potential mastectomy to breast-conserving surgery. The use of endocrine agents in this setting also provides an opportunity for the study of their biological effects upon tumor.
authors.affiliation: Edinburgh Breast Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: E Jane
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Macaskill
authors.forename: J Michael
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Dixon
mesh_terms: D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000187:drug effects; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D013629:Tamoxifen