In the ATAC trial comparing anastrozole versus tamoxifen as adjuvant endocrine therapy in postmenopausal breast cancer, anastrozole demonstrated superiority primarily in which outcome?

• A Overall survival at 5 years
• B Reduction in contralateral breast cancer with equal bone mineral density
• C Superior benefit in HER2-positive subgroup
• D Disease-free survival with fewer thromboembolic events ✓

Explanation

The ATAC trial showed anastrozole had superior disease-free survival compared to tamoxifen in postmenopausal, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, with significantly fewer thromboembolic events and endometrial cancers. However, anastrozole was associated with more musculoskeletal symptoms and fractures due to oestrogen deprivation. HER2 status did not confer differential benefit.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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