The therapeutic potential of novel aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer

For over 20 years, aromatase inhibitors have played a role in the treatment of breast cancer. However, until relatively recently, their utility has been limited by a lack of selectivity and significant toxicity. Several second and third generation aromatase inhibitors which are highly selective for the aromatase enzyme have reached clinical trials this decade. As a result of these initial studies, aromatase inhibitors are now established as second line agents in the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer. They are now under evaluation in several other settings, including adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy, and as part of combination treatment in premenopausal women. This review focuses on recent and ongoing clinical trials and the effect these have had on the clinical use of aromatase inhibitors.