Ovarian Suppression Update

So I mentioned the SOFT study which is suppression of ovarian function through surgery or induced by drugs and including Tamoxifen or Exemestane.  This was discussed at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2014.  

There doesn't seem to be too much difference between the two.  Both seems very beneficial though Exemestane did a little bit better.  The most important thing is that they felt ovarian suppression with one of the drugs seems to be helpful and even more so for those that were diagnosed at 35 and younger and at high risk of recurrence.  (High grade, larger tumor, needed chemotherapy, node negative and younger when diagnosed.)

I just listened to a webinar and it seems as if they encourage this switch from just Tamoxifen alone to ovarian suppression and another endocrine therapy within 2-3 years.  The is no data for those 4.5 to 6 years for younger women.  There are studies that it does benefit to those that are older though.

This slide also came from the webinar.

Like with everything else, this is not a one size fits all.  Do your research, see if it's right for you and always consider quality of life.