Table 1 Tamoxifen vs. aromatase inhibitors in the neoadjuvant setting

P024 Trial Eiermann et al. 2001 [59]

4

Letrozole 2.5 or tamoxifen 20

1. pCR: 1.3% letrozole; 1.8% tamoxifen

2. ORR (clinical palpation): 55% letrozole; 36% tamoxifen (p < 0.0001). ER⁺subgroup: 60% letrozole; 41% tamoxifen.

3. BCS: 45% letrozole; 35% tamoxifen (p = 0.022)

Monthly clinical palpation and ultrasound. Mammography at baseline and prior to surgery.

PROACT Cataliotti et al. 2006 [60]

3

Anastrozole 1 or tamoxifen 20 ± NCT

1. pCR: NR.

2. ORR (clinical palpation): 49.7% anastrozole; 39.7% tamoxifen (p > 0.5, NET only)

3. BCS: 43% anastrozole; 30.8% tamoxifen (p = 0.04, NET only)

Ultrasound and caliper measurements at baseline and 3 months.

IMPACT Smith et al. 2005 [19]

3

Anastrozole 1 or tamoxifen 20 or combination

1. pCR: NR.

2. ORR (clinical palpation): 37% anastrozole; 36% tamoxifen; 39% combination (p = 0.87)

3. BCS: 44% anastrozole; 31% tamoxifen; 24% combination (p = 0.23, mastectomy at baseline)

Clinical caliper measurements and ultrasound at baseline, 2, 6 and 12 weeks.

Akashi-Tanaka et al. 2007 [63]

5 (Anastrozole) or 4 (Tamoxifen)

Anastrozole 1 or tamoxifen 20

1. pCR: not reported.

2. ORR (clinical palpation): 76.5% anastrozole; 46.4% tamoxifen

3. BCS: not reported.

Monthly clinical assessment.

Semiglazov et al. 2005 [64]

3

Exemestane 25 or tamoxifen 20

1. pCR: 2.6% exemestane; 2.7% tamoxifen

2. ORR (clinical palpation): 76.3% exemestane; 40% tamoxifen (p = 0.05)

3. BCS: 36.8% exemestane; 20% tamoxifen (p = 0.05)

Not reported.