Cost of treatment not mentioned. 5-year estimated outcomes were given after only 2 years of data. No quantitative data on safety presented. Absolute numbers provided. Limited long term data and small absolute benefit are key issues here. Does not mention the increase in cholesterol and cardiovascular disease among the women in the aromatase inhibitor group. Tamoxifen may have a positive, cholesterol-lowering effect, which is also not mentioned. Study design not adequately discussed. It didn’t really describe that some of the data were likely gathered on women with more advanced disease where the benefits would be bigger. Gives estimates of women diagnosed with this type of breast cancer. Perhaps not enough emphasis that this is only for post menopausal women with invasive disease — e.g. last line in story assumes all estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor positive women are eligible. Journalist notes that the study was funded by Novartis, maker of Femara, and that many of the researchers own stock in this company or in companies for rival drugs. Mentions other adjuvant drug treatment, tamoxifen, as well as some side effects of both of the aromatase inhibitor drugs (Femara and Arimide) studied as well as Tamoxifen. Story about FDA approval for women with early-stage invasive disease. Discusses how drug is already in use for women with advanced breast cancer.
Drug OK’d to Fight Breast Cancer Relapse