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Aromatase inhibition with 4-OHAndrostenedione after prior aromatase inhibition with aminoglutethimide in women with advanced breast cancer

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Summary

One hundred and twelve post menopausal or post oophorectomy women with advanced breast cancer (BC) who had all previously had aminoglutethimide (AG) were treated with the potent aromatase inhibitor 4-hydroxy androstenedione (4-OHA).

Twenty three women (21%) had a partial response to 4-OHA while another twenty five patients (22%) had stabilization of previously progressing disease. Patients responded to 4-OHA both after previously responding to then relapsing on, and after failing to respond to aminoglutethimide. Toxicity was minimal. This study shows that potent aromatase inhibition with 4-OHA is effective in women with advanced BC who have already been treated with a less potent aromatase inhibitor, and suggests that relative changes in oestrogen levels may be more important than absolute levels.

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Murray, R., Pitt, P. Aromatase inhibition with 4-OHAndrostenedione after prior aromatase inhibition with aminoglutethimide in women with advanced breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Tr 35, 249–253 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00665976

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