The Breast : official journal of the European Society of Mastology
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Recent evidence shows aromatase inhibitors (AIs) to be of benefit over tamoxifen in the adjuvant setting. It is also apparent that musculoskeletal symptoms associated with AIs may be a significant problem in the clinical setting. The aim of this article is to review the data on AIs with respect to musculoskeletal symptoms in the adjuvant setting. ⋯ AIs offer a significant advantage over tamoxifen. More research is required to ascertain the cause and to define the spectrum of musculoskeletal symptoms reported in women taking AIs. Decision of appropriate treatment should be made jointly between clinician and patient after full discussion of the risks and benefits.
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Prospective evaluation of concomitant tumour bed boost with whole breast irradiation in patients with locally advanced breast cancer undergoing breast-conserving therapy.
To evaluate prospectively the feasibility of concomitant weekly tumour bed electron boost along with whole breast radiotherapy (RT) following breast-conserving therapy (BCT) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) with the aim of reducing overall treatment time. ⋯ Concomitant tumour bed boost along with whole breast RT appears to be safe and feasible in a select group of patients. As the treatment is completed earlier by 6-10 days than conventional practice, it has favourable time and resource implications, particularly attractive for patients travelling long distances for treatment. Based on these encouraging results, we are planning to confirm the results in an appropriately designed and powered randomised trial.