Over the past decade several novel aromatase inhibitors have been introduced into clinical practice. The discovery of these drugs followed on from the observation that the main mechanism of action of aminogluthemide was via inhibition of the enzyme aromatase thereby reducing peripheral levels of oestradiol in postmenopausal patients. The second-generation drug, 4-hydroxyandrostenedione (formestane), was introduced in 1990 and although its use was limited by its need to be given parenterally it was found to be a well-tolerated form of endocrine therapy. Third-generation inhibitors include vorozole, letrozole, anastrozole and exemestane, the former three being non-steroidal inhibitors, the latter being a steroidal inhibitor. All are capable of inhibiting aromatase action by >95% compared with 80% in the case of 4-hydroxyandrostenedione. The sequential use of different generations of aromatase inhibitors in the same patients is discussed. Studies suggest that an optimal sequence of these compounds may well result in longer remission in patients with hormone receptor positive tumours.

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