title: Safety of aromatase inhibitor therapy in breast cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy is the current preferred choice of endocrine therapy in postmenopausal estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients thanks to their improved effectiveness compared to tamoxifen. Despite the absence of increased endometrial pathology and deep venous thrombosis seen in tamoxifen-users, the safety profile of AIs consists of a variety of bothersome side effects negatively influencing daily functioning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Besides the well-known adverse effects on joints and bone and the vasomotor system, more neglected and latent toxicity like cognitive problems and vulvovaginal atrophy will be discussed. Concern has been raised in terms of increased risk of fractures and cardiovascular events with chronic AI use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Placebo-controlled long-term studies carefully monitoring these adverse events, together with more extensive research in the etiologies, are warranted.
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Leuven, Gynecology and Obstetrics , Leuven , Belgium.
authors.forename: Anneleen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lintermans
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Neven
mesh_terms: D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017698:Postmenopause; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D013629:Tamoxifen
keywords: aromatase inhibitors; arthralgia; bone; breast cancer; cognition; hot flashes; lipids; tamoxifen; vulvovaginal atrophy