Dr. Melisko on the MA.17R Study for ER+ Breast Cancer

Michelle E. Melisko, MD, clinical professor of medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), discusses the MA.17R study for patients with breast cancer.

The MA.17R study was a follow-up of the trial MA.17 where patients received 5 years of tamoxifen and were then randomized to receive placebo or an aromatase inhibitor (AI). More than 10 years ago, it was discovered that continuing an AI was beneficial, states Melisko.

MA.17R looked at the extension of an AI beyond 5 years, evaluating the added benefit of continuing an AI for 10 years compared to 5 years. Some women in the study received hormonal therapy for 15 years.

This trial met a statistically significant endpoint of reducing recurrences and improving disease-free survival. According to Melisko, this data was practice changing.