American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

For postmenopausal women treated for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, how long should aromatase inhibitor anastrozole be continued?

1. 2 to 4 years

2. 5 to 10 years

3. 1 to 3 years

4. Indefinitely

The correct answer is: 5 to 10 years

Aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole are crucial in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women, as they work by reducing estrogen levels in the body, which can help slow or stop the growth of estrogen-sensitive tumors. Current clinical guidelines suggest that the optimal duration for taking anastrozole is typically between 5 to 10 years. This extended use is supported by substantial evidence indicating that prolonged therapy can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Studies have shown that continuing treatment beyond the initially recommended 5 years can provide additional benefits, particularly in terms of disease-free survival, thus reinforcing the need for a treatment duration of 5 to 10 years. The other options reflect durations that are either too short or not aligned with the most recent clinical evidence and research consensus regarding the management of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.