1. Home>
2. Medical News from Journal Watch>
3. Medical News

Late Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy Lowers Recurrence of Estrogen-Dependent Breast Cancers

Aromatase inhibitor therapy in hormone-sensitive breast cancer increases disease-free survival even when given late, according to three industry-funded studies published early online by the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

One study examined the use of letrozole after 5 years of tamoxifen therapy and found increased survival, regardless of the patient's age.

Another study found a similar effect of letrozole after tamoxifen, even when letrozole therapy was delayed a median of almost 3 years after stopping tamoxifen.

The third study also found a benefit (but not a statistically significant one) from late use of exemestane, another aromatase inhibitor, after tamoxifen.

Saying the results "strongly argue" for a shift in the way these patients are treated, editorialists conclude: "We do not have the luxury of only focusing on treatments and outcomes during the first 5 years after diagnosis."

LINK(S):

Journal of Clinical Oncology Muss article (Free PDF)

Journal of Clinical Oncology Goss article (Free PDF)

Journal of Clinical Oncology Mamounas article (Free PDF)

Journal of Clinical Oncology editorial (Subscription required)

Published in Physician's First Watch March 12, 2008