HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post

CLTann · 12-29-2005, 05:20 PM

Regarding Arimidex versus Tamoxifen, the effectiveness is reportedly to be 84% versus 81%. The NEJM article concluded that Arimidex (or Femara) is much superior than Tamoxifen.

I don't know where these doctors received their education. From my school training and statistics, I wouldn't call 84 versus 81 a very significant major break through. The poor patients in the 16 or 19 group are equally suffering. Looking back also on the efficacy of Herceptin in the NEJM recently, there was a similar undue exuberance on the data. The recurrence rate after Herceptin treatment was still very high.

I don't want to sound like a pessimist. Any forward movement to conquor this dreadful disease is always a welcome step. Nevertheless, we need to be scientifically and factually realistic, and put all data under correct perspective. The editorial on Herceptin in the October NEJM issue was simply overstepping the boundary of honest reporting and give readers a false sense of security. Medical research is indeed making rapid headway, but we are far from resolving this difficult problem yet. Meanwhile, we need to remain alert and strong, using all tools available to us, diligently and persistently in the search of the best defense plan on an individual basis.

Ann

12-29-2005, 05:20 PM	#28
CLTann Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 476	Regarding Arimidex versus Tamoxifen, the effectiveness is reportedly to be 84% versus 81%. The NEJM article concluded that Arimidex (or Femara) is much superior than Tamoxifen. I don't know where these doctors received their education. From my school training and statistics, I wouldn't call 84 versus 81 a very significant major break through. The poor patients in the 16 or 19 group are equally suffering. Looking back also on the efficacy of Herceptin in the NEJM recently, there was a similar undue exuberance on the data. The recurrence rate after Herceptin treatment was still very high. I don't want to sound like a pessimist. Any forward movement to conquor this dreadful disease is always a welcome step. Nevertheless, we need to be scientifically and factually realistic, and put all data under correct perspective. The editorial on Herceptin in the October NEJM issue was simply overstepping the boundary of honest reporting and give readers a false sense of security. Medical research is indeed making rapid headway, but we are far from resolving this difficult problem yet. Meanwhile, we need to remain alert and strong, using all tools available to us, diligently and persistently in the search of the best defense plan on an individual basis. Ann