The aromatase inhibitors in early breast cancer: who, when and why?

To the Editor: I note with concern that one of the authors of the article on aromatase inhibitors in early breast cancer (Nordman)1 declares under competing interests that she received an honorarium (in the form of financial support to attend a conference) “for writing this article” from a manufacturer of one of the current licensed aromatase inhibitors.

It is reassuring to be informed that the company concerned had no role in the content of the article. However, is it wise and reasonable and, indeed, necessary for a medical oncology registrar to be financially rewarded by a pharmaceutical company for writing an article published in The Medical Journal of Australia about therapeutic products, one of which was developed and is now marketed by that company?

Two other authors and reviewers and editorial staff were involved in this otherwise excellent article. I commend Nordman for her openness and declaration. However, I question the role of the pharmaceutical industry in rewarding medical authors in this way.