Suppression of ovarian function in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as treatment for advanced breast cancer in pre-menopausal women

Trials have shown superiority of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) over tamoxifen for post-menopausal oestrogen receptor-positive advanced breast cancer (ER + ABC). We previously reported the use of goserelin plus anastrozole (G + A) as second-line endocrine therapy for pre-menopausal ER + ABC. We report clinical and endocrine data from G + A as first-line systemic therapy.Thirty-six patients (median age = 44 years) with metastatic (N = 28) and locally advanced disease were administered G + A for ?6 months (unless progressed prior). Some (N = 13) received further therapy with goserelin plus another AI (steroidal), exemestane (G + E). Serial serum hormone assays (oestradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone) were performed.Twenty-four patients (67%) derived clinical benefit (CB) (5% complete response, 31% partial response, 31% stable disease for ?6 months) with median time to progression and duration of CB of 12 (2–47) and 24 + (7–78+) months respectively. Ten patients were still receiving first-line G + A at analysis. Amongst 13 patients who went onto receive G + E, 38% achieved CB with a mean duration of 13+(7–32) months. Therapy was well tolerated with no withdrawals. The combination of G + A resulted in 98% reduction (from pre-treatment to 6-month) in median levels of oestradiol (from 574.5 pmol/L; inter-quartile range (IQR) = 209–1426; (N = 6) to 13.45 pmol/L; IOQ = 5.5–31.5 (N = 4) whilst the levels of other hormones had minimal fluctuations during therapy.The combinations of ovarian function suppression (using G) and AIs produce sustained CB and minimal side effects in pre-menopausal ER + ABC with significant reduction in oestradiol levels. Within the limitations of being a non-randomised study, they should be considered in appropriate patients with hormone-sensitive ABC.