Figure 1

Adjuvant endocrine therapy history: the first key steps. The first steps in the evolution of endocrine therapy are presented. *In seven of these trials, the ovarian ablation (OvA) and control groups received no routine cytotoxic chemotherapy, in one there were random assignments both for cytotoxic therapy and for OvA in a ‘factorial’ design, and in four both groups were scheduled to receive a common cytotoxic chemotherapy regimen (after OvA, in those allocated this treatment). BC, breast cancer; BD, bis die (twice daily); CRC, Cancer Research Campaign; EBC, early breast cancer; EBCTCG, Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group; ER, estrogen receptor; i.v., intravenously; NATO, Nolvadex Adjuvant Trial Organization; NSABP, National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project; OS, overall survival; OvS, ovarian suppression; RFS, recurrence-free survival; yr, year (s).