Aromatase inhibitors versus tamoxifen in premenopausal women with oestrogen receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer treated with ovarian suppression: a patient-level meta-analysis of 7030 women from four randomised trials.

Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group (EBCTCG).

Lancet Oncol 2022; 23: 382-392.

Aromatase inhibitors were compared with tamoxifen in premenopausal women with ovarian suppression in a study that included 7030 patients followed for a median of eight years. Aromatase inhibitors reduce recurrence, especially in years 1 to 4 (13.2 per cent absolute risk reduction). Recurrence rates were similar in years 5 to 9. Mortality rates were also similar.

Comment: Initial treatment with aromatase inhibitors in this group seems optimal.