AstraZeneca: panel favors aromatase inhibitors over tamoxifen in early breast cancer treatment

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., Aug. 1 - AstraZeneca said that based on consensus findings of The International Aromatase Inhibitor Expert Panel, members reaffirmed current guidelines regarding the use of aromatase inhibitors (AIs), such as Arimidex, in early breast cancer.

The panel, composed of 24 breast cancer clinicians from Europe, the Unites States, Australia, China and Brazil, published an opinion paper in Current Medical Research and Opinion, finding AIs to be superior to tamoxifen.

After reviewing data from major early breast cancer aromatase treatment trials, the panel determined that AIs should be considered the treatment of choice in postmenopausal women with newly diagnosed hormone-sensitive early breast cancer.

In addition, the panel found that reported gynecological adverse events are substantially reduced with AIs compared with tamoxifen.

While an increased risk of fractures are seen with AIs compared with tamoxifen, they appear to be predictable and manageable, according to the panel.

And lastly, the panel determined that further evaluation is needed on the relationship between coronary heart disease and AI use.

"This guidance helps to clarify considerations for use of AIs in everyday practice," panel member and Aman Buzdar said in a company news release.

"These data provide the evidence that support using an aromatase inhibitor at the earliest opportunity."

Mature data from the ATAC (Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination) trial was also published in the Lancet Oncology and can be accessed at the journal's web site, http://oncology.thelancet.com, the company said.

AstraZeneca is an international health care business located in Wilmington, Del.

© 2015 Prospect News.
All content on this website is protected by copyright law in the U.S. and elsewhere. For the use of the person downloading only.
Redistribution and copying are prohibited by law without written permission in advance from Prospect News.
Redistribution or copying includes e-mailing, printing multiple copies or any other form of reproduction.