Revisiting adjuvant ovarian suppression in premenopausal breast cancer patients

Adjuvant ovarian suppression, on addition to chemotherapy, reduces the risk of breast cancer in pre-menopausal women after surgery and adjuvant hormonal therapy. Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (SOFT) and Tamoxifen and Exemestane Trial (TEXT) showed greater benefit with exemestane in high risk females in comparison to Tamoxifen. Ovarian Function Suppression (OFS) and exemestane became the standard of care, with 30% patients experiencing grade 3 and more side effects. Much higher benefit was seen in high risk group. But there are concerns about incomplete OFS (estrogen escape) with exemestane plus OFS. Updated analysis of TEXT AND SOFT showed better survival benefit with OFS plus Tamoxifen as compared to OFS plus exemestane. Overall survival is a better end point. Should preference be given to Tamoxifen over exemestane? Further research is required to get the final answer.