Aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer: pharmacoeconomic considerations.

Abstract

Although the anti-oestrogen tamoxifen is recognised as the treatment of choice for both premenopausal and postmenopausal women with advanced hormone-dependent breast cancer, oestrogen deprivation can also be achieved, with apparently less adverse-effects, through selective inhibition of aromatase. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and tolerability of the new generation of aromatase inhibitors as second-line and first-line therapy in postmenopausal women with breast cancers who were eligible for endocrine treatment. Speculating that administration of aromatase inhibitors will not be limited to postmenopausal breast cancer, a pharmacoeconomic perspective is considered based on available data and putative therapeutic application during various phases of the disease.

• Authors: G M Higa
• Journal: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy (Expert Opin Pharmacother) Vol. 2 Issue 6 Pg. 987-95 (Jun 2001) ISSN: 1465-6566 [Print] England
• PMID: 11585014 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
• Aromatase Inhibitors
• Enzyme Inhibitors
• Estrogen Antagonists
• Receptors, Estrogen
• Tamoxifen

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal (economics, therapeutic use)
• Aromatase Inhibitors
• Breast Neoplasms (drug therapy, prevention & control, surgery)
• Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Economics, Pharmaceutical
• Enzyme Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Estrogen Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Guidelines as Topic
• Humans
• Postmenopause
• Premenopause
• Receptors, Estrogen (analysis, drug effects)
• Tamoxifen (therapeutic use)