Estrogen used to combat vaginal dryness and other postmenopausal symptoms may counteract the beneficial effects of new breast cancer drugs called aromatase inhibitors, a new British study finds.Although the study involved only a small number of women, its authors believe the findings warrant possible treatment changes."Women on aromatase inhibitors using this and similar preparations should discuss their situation with their doctor,” advised Dr. Anne Kendall, lead author of the study and a clinical research fellow in the breast and biochemistry unit at Royal Marsden Hospital in London. “In the majority of women, we would anticipate that they would stop the vaginal estrogen therapy."Other experts, however, do not agree with that prescription."It’s an interesting observation but it’s a small study and it needs further research,” said Dr. Jay Brooks, chairman of hematology/oncology at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in Baton Rouge, La. “I would not alter the way I prescribe medication."The findings appear in the Jan. 26 issue of Annals of Oncology.
