Longitudinal trends in utilization of endocrine therapies for breast cancer: an international comparison

Abstract

Our analysis found a shift in use of endocrine therapy from tamoxifen to aromatase inhibitors. This trend is consistent with major clinical guidelines endorsing preferential use of aromatase inhibitors in post-menopausal women. Stabilization or small increase in tamoxifen use in the recent years may reflect the recognition of tamoxifen as still an appropriate first-line treatment. The similarity in utilization patterns may be due to the relatively comparable healthcare systems in the countries, namely universal health insurance and pharmaceutical coverage. Differences in utilization observed could be due to differences in breast cancer incidence, prescribing behaviours, interpretation of new trial evidence, and timing of drug marketing approval and reimbursement between countries.

TRPA1 Mediates Aromatase Inhibitor–Evoked Pain by the Aromatase Substrate Androstenedione

“…To explore whether ASD cooperates with AIs and proinflammatory mediators to excite nociceptors via a TRPA1-dependent final common pathway, we used letrozole, the most prescribed AI in clinical practice (32). As a prototypical proinflammatory mediator, we selected the ROS H 2 O 2 , because oxidative stress is increased by breast cancer (33) and letrozole (34).…”

Pharmacy Practice Research Methods

“…Such studies may use similar data to compare medicines use between countries, different regions in a country, or different hospitals. Longitudinal data are often used to describe trends in medicines use (Vitry et al 2011;Kelly et al 2014;Chung et al 2008;Lu et al 2007a, b). Longitudinal data for drug utilization research can be obtained through health-care claims databases, based on a statistically valid sample of pharmacies or medical practices, or obtained from repeated cross-sectional surveys (data collection is continuous, but the patients or providers surveyed are continually changing.…”

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of a transdermal anastrozole-in-adhesive formulation

“…A number of targeted drugs have been developed and approved in the last years, including the aromatase inhibitors, which are widely prescribed for the adjuvant treatment of hormone-sensitive advanced metastatic BC in postmenopausal women. 5 In comparison to tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors have shown a significant benefit in reducing BC-related and overall mortalities. 6 , 7 These drugs inhibit the synthesis of estrogen by reversibly binding and blocking the enzyme aromatase, a key regulator of the metabolic conversion of androgens into estrogens in peripheral tissues.…”