Exemestane significantly reduces risk of breast cancer

Canada conducted a large clinical trial with a new international order is to prevent breast cancer in women at increased risk of developing the disease revealed that the drug exemestane reduced the risk by 65 percent compared to placebo. The results were unveiled today at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and online in the New England Journal of Medicine.

With financial support from the Canadian Cancer Society, led by the NCIC Clinical Trials Group (CTG) study, exemestane drug, a member of a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors tested. Drugs of this class of estrogen production, a key component in the development of some forms of breast cancer to be removed.

"The results are very interesting because it has the potential to affect thousands of women," says Dr. Michael Wosnick, Vice President of Research, Canadian Cancer Society. "We know that breast cancer is a heavy toll on Canadian women and their families. The results of this study are an important new option for this devastating disease in women at increased risk to avoid them. "

The study NCIC CTG MAP.3 more than 4500 postmenopausal women from Canada, USA, Spain and France followed for a period of five years. All study participants had a higher risk of developing breast cancer. A risk of a woman's age, family history of breast cancer, age at menarche and age of their first child. The study is the first randomized study to determine whether an aromatase inhibitor for the treatment of breast cancer can be avoided in healthy women.

With a median follow up of three years, the researchers found that the study group of women, exemestane reduced by 65% ​​in invasive carcinomas (11 invasive breast cancers in the exemestane group, 32 in the placebo group) had . Furthermore, the researchers found fewer cases of precancerous lesions in the exemestane group.

History of patients

We Siemens and three sisters have always existed, and this relationship is in their willingness to play their role in the prevention of breast cancer has been strengthened. Participated in this study relate to the daily commitment to take a pill and go six months check-up split.

The sisters lost their mother and two aunts with breast cancer, only too aware of the risks they face. But they were in their decision not to hesitate to participate in the study.

"It was a difficult decision for me to do," said Siemens. "All you have to do is to look left or right. Everyone knows someone who has had breast cancer in her family. Someone needs to test these drugs. "

Vi and her sisters know they are part of something that make a difference for themselves, their families and for women around the world can do.

"You think about the next generation," said Vi. "If you want more than just a corner to do."

This study is just one of the three trials of the NCIC CTG and funded by the Canadian Cancer Society, which was chosen as this year's "Best of ASCO." The other two studies are a monument of breast cancer prevention trial, and he who has found a better way to treat prostate cancer. Studies in Best of ASCO potential to change clinical practice worldwide.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women (excluding non-melanoma skin not). In 2011, an estimated 23 400 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 5100 deaths.

The NCIC Clinical Trials Group is a national research program of the Canadian Cancer Society and receive funding for this research by the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute. Additional support for this study were provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Pfizer are available.

The Canadian Cancer Society for cancer, something we can do to prevent cancer, save lives and help people with cancer. Last year, the company funded over $ 48 million in government research projects across the country.