Are aromatase inhibitors more detrimental than tamoxifen?

Aromatase inhibitors tend to cause fewer serious side effects than tamoxifen, such as blood clots, stroke, and endometrial cancer. But aromatase inhibitors can cause more heart problems, more bone loss (osteoporosis), and more broken bones than tamoxifen, at least for the first few years of treatment.

Is anastrozole better than tamoxifen?

Previously reported results showed that anastrozole was slightly better than tamoxifen in preventing recurrence. The 10-year breast cancer–free interval rate was 89.2% for tamoxifen and 93.5% for anastrozole (P = . 03).

What is the strongest aromatase inhibitor?

Among third-generation AIs, letrozole seems to produce the most extensive estrogen suppression. Results from an intrapatient crossover study revealed that letrozole (2.5 mg daily) consistently resulted in more potent aromatase inhibition compared with 1.0 mg anastrozole (Geisler et al, 2002).

Can breast cancer return while taking anastrozole?

At a median follow-up of 62.3 months, women who received anastrozole (n = 387) had a statistically significant reduced risk of recurrence (loco-regional recurrence, contra-lateral breast cancer, or distant metastasis) compared with women who received no further treatment (n = 469; hazard ratio = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.40 to …

Is tamoxifen considered a chemotherapy drug?

Tamoxifen is a type of hormonal therapy known as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). The drug attaches to hormone receptors (specific proteins) in breast cancer cells. Once the medication is inside the cells, it stops the cancer from accessing the hormones they need to multiply and grow.

How long does it take for Arimidex to lower estrogen?

Official Answer. Arimidex works quickly to lower estrogen and some side effects start within 24 hours of starting Arimidex. Side effects that tend to come on quickly include hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, headache, and pain. Many of these will improve after a few days or weeks.

Should I switch from tamoxifen to anastrozole?

Conclusions: Switching to anastrozole after the first 2-3 years of treatment was confirmed to improve event-free and relapse-free survival of postmenopausal, node-positive, ER-positive early breast cancer patients already receiving adjuvant tamoxifen.

Is tamoxifen hard on your liver?

Introduction. Tamoxifen is a nonsteroidal antiestrogen that is widely used in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. Long term tamoxifen therapy has been associated with development of fatty liver, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and rare instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.

How long should you stay on anastrozole?

This will depend on your individual circumstances, but anastrozole is usually taken for five to ten years. Some people start taking anastrozole after a number of years of taking the hormone therapy drug tamoxifen.

What is the best anti estrogen?

Treatments that lower estrogen levels

• Letrozole (Femara)
• Anastrozole (Arimidex)
• Exemestane (Aromasin)

What are the chances of stage 1a breast cancer returning?

Primary Treatment of Stage I Breast Cancer: Surgery and Radiation

What are the chances of estrogen positive breast cancer coming back?

Overall, the chance that an estrogen receptor-positive tumor will recur (distant recurrence) between five years and 20 years after diagnosis ranges from 10% to over 41%, and people with these tumors remain at risk for the remainder of their lives.

How are side effects of tamoxifen and anastrozole measured?

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects, interactions and more. Prescribed for Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer – Metastatic, McCune-Albright Syndrome, Pubertal Gynecomastia. May also be prescribed off label for Endometrial Cancer.

Is there an alternative to tamoxifen for breast cancer?

The results of ATAC suggested that anastrozole provides a real alternative to tamoxifen in the treatment of hormone-sensitive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The combination treatment arm of anastrozole plus tamoxifen, which appeared no different than tamoxifen alone, will be discontinued from the trial.

Which is better for cataracts anastrozole or tamoxifen?

Tamoxifen was better tolerated than anastrozole with respect to musculoskeletal disorders (arthralgias) and fractures. No difference was seen between the treatment arms in incidence of cataracts, ischemic cardiovascular disease, mood disturbances, and nausea and vomiting.

Are there any side effects to taking tamoxifen?

Side Effects. See the full anastrozole side effects document. Commonly reported side effects include: amenorrhea, fluid retention, hot flash, nausea, vaginal discharge, vaginal hemorrhage, weight loss, and skin changes. See the full tamoxifen side effects document.

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