Abstract

The important role of estrogens on the development of breast cancer has been well documented. This effect of the estrogens can be prevented either by blocking the estrogene synthesis via antiestrogenes or inhibiting the estrogen synthesis by aromatase inhibitors. Aromatisation of androgenes in the fat and muscle tissue appears as the main source of the estrogens after the menopause. There are several agents to black this aromatisation. The new generatian aromatase inhibitors (anastozoe, letrozoe) are highly effective in inhibiting the estrogene synthesis. Current reports revealed that the third generatio; aromatase inhibitors were more effective when compared to Tamoxifen in treating patients with advemed breast cancer. It is also shown that these patients had better prognosis when these agents are used at neoadjuvant setting. However, the long term side effects and the effectiveness of these agents are still obsure in premenopausl women and in estrogene receptar negative or Erb B-2 positive patients. Furthermo: none of these agents has been proven to be better than the other.