Aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer: an update

Cancer Control. 2002 Nov-Dec;9(6):490-8. doi: 10.1177/107327480200900606.

Abstract

Background: Tamoxifen has been the endocrine treatment of choice for patients with breast cancer. The development of selective aromatase inhibitors has offered an alternative management approach for patients in whom a hormonal approach is indicated.

Methods: The authors reviewed reports in which aromatase inhibitors were compared with tamoxifen for the treatment of metastatic disease, as well as information pertinent to their use as adjuvant therapy.

Results: Both nonsteroidal (anastrozole and letrozole) and steroidal (exemestane) aromatase inhibitors for metastatic disease appear to provide superior efficacy and a better toxicity profile in first- and second-line treatment of metastatic disease than tamoxifen. Early results from the ATAC trial suggest anastrozole is superior to tamoxifen for disease-free survival, particularly in receptor-positive patients, and in reducing the incidence of contralateral breast cancer.

Conclusions: Aromatase inhibitors have important roles in optimal management of postmenopausal patients with hormone-responsive metastases in both the adjuvant and advanced-disease settings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aminoglutethimide / chemistry
  • Aminoglutethimide / therapeutic use
  • Anastrozole
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Aromatase Inhibitors*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / methods
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Genes, erbB-2 / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Letrozole
  • Nitriles / chemistry
  • Nitriles / therapeutic use
  • Tamoxifen / therapeutic use
  • Triazoles / chemistry
  • Triazoles / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Nitriles
  • Triazoles
  • Tamoxifen
  • Aminoglutethimide
  • Anastrozole
  • Letrozole