Letrozole or Tamoxifen Citrate in Treating Older Postmenopausal Women Undergoing Surgery for Breast Cancer

Summary

RATIONALE: Estrogen can cause the growth of breast cancer cells. Hormone therapy using letrozole may fight breast cancer by blocking the uptake of estrogen. Tamoxifen citrate may fight breast cancer by blocking the use of estrogen by the tumor cells. It is not yet known whether letrozole or tamoxifen citrate is more effective when given before surgery in treating older women with breast cancer. PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is studying letrozole to see how well it works compared with tamoxifen citrate in treating older postmenopausal women undergoing surgery for breast cancer.

Timeline

Start

2008-12

Primary completion

2010-10

Completion

2010-10

Drugs

Indications