The International Aromatase Inhibitor Expert Panel, a panel of 24 breast cancer specialists from Europe, the USA, Australia, China and Brazil, has reconfirmed that aromatase inhibitors (AIs) such as Arimidex, are superior to Tamoxifen in the chemoprevention drug treatment of postmenopausal women with newly diagnosed hormone-sensitive, early breast cancer.

"Over the last three years, there has been an influx of new information about the use of aromatase inhibitors in early breast cancer, and while this is great news, it has created a great deal of confusion. This guidance helps to clarify considerations for use of AIs in everyday practice. These data provide the evidence that support using an aromatase inhibitor at the earliest opportunity," commented panel member Dr. Aman Buzdar, professor of medicine for the department of breast medical oncology at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

While aromatase inhibitors are better tolerated and cause less potentially life-threatening side effects than Tamoxifen, Als do increase bone fracture risk -- which is said to be a problem that can be watched for and effectively treated. However, the long-term use of aromatase inhibitors and the effects on heart disease are yet to be determined.