Clinical trials show no significant difference in effectiveness between letrozole and anastrozole. In a major study of over 4,000 postmenopausal women with HR-positive breast cancer:
• 5-year disease-free survival: 84.9% for letrozole vs 82.9% for anastrozole
• Overall 5-year survival: 89.9% for letrozole vs 89.2% for Show Full Answer
Clinical trials show no significant difference in effectiveness between letrozole and anastrozole. In a major study of over 4,000 postmenopausal women with HR-positive breast cancer:
• 5-year disease-free survival: 84.9% for letrozole vs 82.9% for anastrozole
• Overall 5-year survival: 89.9% for letrozole vs 89.2% for anastrozole Both medications have similar side effect profiles, though there are some differences:
• Letrozole may cause more joint pain
• Anastrozole has been linked to higher rates of bone fractures
• Both can cause hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings
When patients tried both medications, about 30% preferred letrozole, 36% preferred anastrozole, and the rest had no preference. The best choice depends on individual factors and should be discussed with your oncologist.
July 7, 2025
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