Abstract | BACKGROUND: The steroidal aromatase inhibitor exemestane has demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of breast cancer in the metastatic and adjuvant settings. Smaller trials have also reported efficacy in the neo-adjuvant setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This phase II, open-label, multicentre study examined the efficacy and safety of neo-adjuvant exemestane in women aged >70 years with operable, receptor-rich breast cancer. Consecutive eligible patients received exemestane 25 mg/day for 6 months before planned surgery. The primary end point was clinical response. RESULTS: Overall, 117 patients were recruited (median age 80 years). The objective response rate in 112 assessable patients (85 with clinical and mammographic evaluation; 27 with clinical evaluation only) was 69.6% (two complete responses; 76 partial responses). In patients who responded, median tumour size reduced from 4.81 to 2.12 cm. Seventy-seven patients (68.7%) continued to surgery. Of the 40 patients eligible for breast-conserving surgery, 34 (85%) deemed unfit for this procedure at baseline. Exemestane-related adverse events were unremarkable except for grade 3 allergic skin reactions in two patients (1.8%). CONCLUSION: Neo-adjuvant exemestane given for 6 months appears to be effective for receptor-rich breast cancer in older patients. There may now be sufficient evidence to support the use of neo-adjuvant in this patient population.
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Authors | G Mustacchi, M Mansutti, C Sacco, S Barni, A Farris, M Cazzaniga, M Cozzi, C Dellach |
Journal | Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
(Ann Oncol)
Vol. 20
Issue 4
Pg. 655-9
(Apr 2009)
ISSN: 1569-8041 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 19150936
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article, Multicenter Study)
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Chemical References |
- Androstadienes
- Antineoplastic Agents
- exemestane
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Topics |
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Androstadienes
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Antineoplastic Agents
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Breast Neoplasms
(drug therapy, surgery)
- Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Female
- Humans
- Treatment Outcome
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