5 year study complete......Tamoxefin vs. Arimidex

Muttsmom

Leo,
Someone sent this to me and it looks legit. what do you think? Sounds like great news, but a cure would be so much better!!
http://news.google.com/?hl=en&ncl=http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6676343/
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

sam52 · Regular Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 21 Location: London, UK

This was all over the news yesterday here in the UK - I think they always over-emphasise the potential benefit, but nevertheless it is there. I just have to try and convince my oncologist to switch me over from tamoxifen to arimidex - I have been trying (unsuccessfully) for over 2 years. She keeps saying "not enough long-term reporting", but now surely this will be enough? No doubt our socialised, and therefore free, Health Service will put a block on switching women from a drug that costs £25 per annum to one that costs £1000 ; but I intend to persuade her if I can . Rolling Eyes

Sam
_________________
dx bc Oct 2001
tx - mast, chemo(FEC+taxotere), 25 rads.Now on tamoxifen

Muttsmom

My onco started me on Tamoxifen after my dx in 2002. I asked about Arimidex and he said the same thing yours did. After 6 months and confirming that chemo had put me into MENTALpause, he told me that it looked like it was superior to Tamoxifen, but with me being Stage III, that if I wanted to switch, he was with me on it. It was a scary decision of course, but my gut said to do it, so I did and almost 3 years later, so far so good.
I definately don't think it has put you at risk. Alot of studies showed that being on Tamoxefin for 2 years and then switching, had a higher survival rate without a reoccurence, then the Tamoxefin for 5 years. You've done good so far, so switching now gives you 5 more years that you're taking something to hopefully prevent the beast from coming back. Mine is going to have a hard time getting me to stop in 3 more years (I pray this crap stays away!!!!). Hopefully by then they will know more. This black cloud always over our head really sucks, just like the disease, but thank God we're hanging with NED Smile

Nancy
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

MACE1610 · Regular Joined: 27 Nov 2004 Posts: 23 Location: FLORIDA

[b] HI,

I HAVE BEEN ON ARIMIDEX FOR 2 YEARS NOW. I WAS NEVER ON TAMO. SINCE I TAKE BLOOD THINNERS I COULD NOT TAKE THAT ONE. WHAT I HAD SEEN ON THE NEWS WAS THAT THE ARIMIDEX HAD PROVED TO WORK BETTER IN OLDER WOMEN BUT STILL NOT ENOUGH STUDY TO KNOW ABOUT HOW IS WAS ON YOUNGER WOMEN. SINCE I AM 60 I GUESS I FALL INTO THE OLDER GROUP. MY DOCTOR HAS SAID I WOULD BE ON THIS FOR 5 YEARS. WHAT THEN Question

[/b]
_________________
HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE DAY

Muttsmom

Originally, if I'm not mistaken, the 1st studies for Arimidex were for "advanced" stage ladies, then it went to early stage, etc. I think studies have been done on just about every aspect, age, 1st or 2nd line of treatment etc. The link I sent has just about everything they have done trials on. I've been on it 2 years also and started when I was almost 44.
We both have 3 years to go on Arimidex and hopefully they will something else for us to follow up with. I think I read that the government or whatever funding only allowed 5 year studies, so I have no idea if there is benefit to taking it more then 5 years of if they even know. Like I said, if I make it to 5 years NED, which will still give me about a year left on Arimidex, me and my onco are going to go round and round because I won't want to quit taking it regardless of the cost.
We just have to pray that they will come up with something even better by then. This black cloud always hanging over our heads to me makes it impossible to have a "normal" life, even though I don't think about it 24/7, you sure can't forget it.
Nancy
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

Minnlady13

Hi, Nancy, I heard about this yesterday on the news. Also heard that the study was funded by the manufacturer of Arimidex. I don't know that that would taint the study, but it is an interesting side note. Glad you are doing well on it. And, nice to see you on the board. I suspect that means you are recovering from your surgery all right. Hugs, Lauri
_________________
Diagnosed 4/11/1996
Lumpectomy, 6 mm tumor
Neg. nodes
ER/PR+
33 rads
Tamoxifen, 5 yrs.
NED

Muttsmom

Leo,
I've gotten so many articles from non BC friends from their newspapers, t.v. reports and everything about the Arimidex findings (I guess they want me around for awhile Smile

One said that these finding are for the most "common" BC. Lobular isn't common by far, but would you think it would include ILC?
You know what happened not long ago at all and I'm on another emotional roller coaster for a couple of reasons and just wondering if you think Lobular and advanced stages, like III are included in all this encourging findings.

Headed to the surgeon and see how things are going. Talk to ya'll soon
Thanks
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Hello

This topic is obviously very controversial. The ATAC Trial that was published this week is one of the pieces of evidence that supports aromatase inhibitors as first choice. Yes, the study being funded by the manufacturer may weaken the strength of the evidence, but it is there. The recommendations are based on guidelines. Guidelines change whenever the committee meets and re-evaluates the available literature. Some are convinced, while others are not. You will find a lot of controversy about this, but it seems that aromatase inhibitors are superior. We will see what the experts recommend with new guidelines coming out in the future.

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

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