Commentary

Based on the encouraging initial ATAC trial results with regard to both toxicity and second breast cancers, the NSABP is planning a randomized trial in DCIS patients comparing anastrozole to tamoxifen. The IBIS II trial in the United Kingdom will also evaluate anastrozole in DCIS patients. More than half of the surgeons surveyed believe that a randomized trial comparing tamoxifen to anastrozole in women with DCIS would yield both greater benefits and less toxicity with anastrozole. More than half of the surgeons surveyed would currently utilize an aromatase inhibitor based on the ATAC data, for which there is no FDA indication. In contrast, breast cancer researchers almost uniformly believe that aromatase inhibitors should only be given to DCIS patients enrolled in a clinical trial.

Select publications

Baum M. The ATAC (Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination) adjuvant breast cancer trial in post-menopausal women. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2001;69(3):Abstract 8.

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