Correlation between cyclooxygenase-2 expression and angiogenesis in human breast cancer.

Purpose: Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is overexpressed in breast cancer and may have a role in regulating tumor growth via effects on angiogenesis, cell proliferation, or apoptosis. This study aimed to derive data from human breast carcinomas to help substantiate or refute these relationships.

Experimental Design: We performed immunohistochemical analysis of a set of 86 breast tumors for COX-2, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PGR), HER-2, Ki67 (a marker of proliferation), and CD31 (an endothelial cell marker of angiogenesis).

Effects of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole on normal breast epithelial cell proliferation and metabolic indices in postmenopausal women: a pilot study for breast cancer prevention.

The aromatase enzyme converts androgens to estrogens and is the therapeutic target for aromatase inhibitors in postmenopausal patients with estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. Third-generation inhibitors such as letrozole are being considered as potential prophylactic agents for breast cancer. The rationale for their preventive application would be aided by knowledge of their effects on the normal breast and on other estrogen-dependent processes such as bone and lipid metabolism.

Comparison of the systemic and intratumoral effects of tamoxifen and the aromatase inhibitor vorozole in postmenopausal patients with primary breast cancer.

Purpose: To determine biologic differences, if any, between presurgical endocrine treatment with an aromatase inhibitor (vorozole) and tamoxifen in patients with postmenopausal primary breast cancer.

Patients And Methods: Randomization was to 12 weeks of 2.5 mg of vorozole per day or 20 mg of tamoxifen per day, both orally.