Aromatase inhibitors in the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer

This article summarizes the current data regarding the use of the aromatase inhibitors as adjuvant hormonal therapy for postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer. The article focuses on the five major trials examining the use of these drugs and their toxicity in the adjuvant setting. The data currently available suggest that the aromatase inhibitors are efficacious, either as upfront therapy or after a course of tamoxifen. Ongoing trials will compare these approaches and guide the use of these agents in the years to come.