Effects of letrozole on mammographic density (MD) in post-menopausal (PM) women at high risk for breast cancer (BC)

Abstract

1548 Background: Letrozole BC chemoprevention is supported by reductions in contralateral cancer in aromatase inhibitor adjuvant BC trials. Decreased MD may be a surrogate for efficacy in prevention trials. Objective: to evaluate the effects of 12-mo letrozole on MD in PM women at high risk for BC. Methods: 20 healthy PM women had Gail model risk profile and baseline MD prior to letrozole 2.5/d for 1 y. MD was determined by a computer assisted method (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers and Prevention 2003;12:332–338) and read blindly (baseline, 6mo films and eventually also 12mo by GU). Health status, lipid profile, bone density, and cognitive function were monitored. Results: by December (<1y): 14 Caucasian, 1 Hispanic, 3 Asians, and 2 Blacks were accrued. The table shows changes in MD at baseline & 6mo in the first 6 women: * reader considered this MD technically unsatisfactory (insufficient contrast). Conclusions: One woman discontinued treatment at 3 mo due to muscle aches. Six and 12mo comparisons will be ready in June 2007. Concordant results and decrease in density are suggested by the available data. Acknowledgements: This work is supported in part by The Lynne Cohen Foundation. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]