[Antiestrogen treatment in postmenopausal patients with metastatic breast cancer].

This review discusses the evidence for endocrine treatment in postmenopausal patients with metastatic breast cancer. First line treatment with non-steroid aromatase inhibitors (AI) yields response rates of 30% and improves progression free survival, but not overall survival, compared to tamoxifen. With second line treatment using steroid AI, estrogen antagonists or selective estrogen receptor modulators prolonged disease stabilisation is achieved in 40% of patients. With third line treatment using steroid AI and estrogen antagonists disease stabilisation is achieved in up to 30% of patients.