Anastrozole

Importance of the field: Anastrozole is a third-generation aromatase inhibitor used in the adjuvant setting for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Several adjuvant randomized trials have reported greater efficacy for anastrozole when compared to tamoxifen. Areas covered in this review: This review discusses the mechanism of action of anastrozole; pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics; results of randomized controlled trials of anastrozole compared to tamoxifen in the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and the safety profile of anastrozole compared to tamoxifen. What the reader will gain: The reader will gain an understanding of the basic pharmacology of anastrozole, efficacy data from clinical trials comparing anastrozole to tamoxifen, safety profile of anastrozole and ongoing areas of research. Take home message: The adverse effects of anastrozole.