TY  - JOUR
A1  - Glück, Stefan
A1  - Minckwitz, Gunter von
A1  - Untch, Michael
T1  - Aromatase inhibitors in the treatment of elderly women with metastatic breast cancer
T2  - The Breast
N2  - The proportion of elderly women in the population is rising, and in tandem, the incidence of breast cancer rises with age. Because of health and tolerability concerns, as well as life expectancy, physicians may be reluctant to advise a standard treatment regimen for elderly patients with metastatic breast cancer. To elucidate this issue, we performed a literature review of clinical studies that included women with metastatic breast cancer who were over the age of 65. Our results show that although little clinical evidence exists, what is available suggests that standard treatment is tolerated and beneficial for patients meeting certain criteria. A geriatric assessment may identify specific patient groups (independent, dependent, or frail) and thereby guide treatment. Treatment recommendations for elderly patients with metastatic breast cancer are sparse, although first-line endocrine treatment, usually aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen, is recommended for hormone-sensitive disease. In general, the evidence from clinical studies suggests that aromatase inhibitors are more effective than either tamoxifen or megestrol acetate as first- or second-line treatment in postmenopausal women with metastatic breast cancer. Ultimately, quality of life, treatment effects, and comorbidities are important aspects in this population and may guide treatment choice. To provide evidence-based treatment guidance, future clinical trials should include more patients over the age of 65 years.
KW  - Aromatase inhibitors
KW  - Breast cancer
KW  - Elderly
KW  - Exemestane
KW  - Metastatic
KW  - Tamoxifen
KW  - Antineoplastic agents
KW  - Hormonal
Y1  - 2013
UR  - http://publikationen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/frontdoor/index/index/docId/76925
UR  - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:hebis:30:3-769257
SN  - 0960-9776
VL  - 22
IS  - 2
SP  - 142
EP  - 149
PB  - Elsevier
CY  - Amsterdam
ER  -