How does aromatase inhibitors prevent breast cancer?

How does aromatase inhibitors prevent breast cancer?

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) lower estrogen levels by stopping an enzyme in fat tissue (called aromatase) from changing other hormones into estrogen. (Estrogen can fuel the growth of breast cancer cells.) These drugs don’t stop the ovaries from making estrogen.

What is the mechanism of action of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors?

Next to radiation therapy, endocrine hormonal treatments, primarily tamoxifen (TAM) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs), are the most common adjuvant treatment for women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer [3–7]. TAM acts by blocking estrogen binding to its receptor, while AIs block estrogen production [8].

How does anastrozole reduce the potential of breast cancer?

Anastrozole is a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor. It blocks the action of aromatase and so lowers the amount of oestrogen in post-menopausal women. There are two other aromatase inhibitor drugs used to treat breast cancer, exemestane and letrozole.

What is the mechanism of action of anastrozole?

Anastrozole structure and mechanism of action. Anastrozole is a nonsteroidal AI that inhibits the aromatase enzyme by binding reversibly to its heme ion. By inhibiting the activity of aromatase, anastrozole reduces the levels of E2, E1, and E1S both in the periphery and in the mammary tissue.

Why are aromatase inhibitors only for postmenopausal?

After menopause, the ovaries produce only a small amount of estrogen. AIs stop the body from making estrogen, and as a result hormone receptor-positive tumors do not get fed by estrogen and die. AIs are not given to premenopausal women because their ovaries still produce estrogen.

Why is raloxifene not used for breast cancer?

However, raloxifene has fewer serious side effects. Tamoxifen is the only option for premenopausal women who choose to pursue breast cancer prevention. At present, raloxifene is not used for breast cancer prevention in premenopausal women because of the lack of data regarding safety in this population.

How do estrogen blockers work?

One class of estrogen blockers that is often prescribed for women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer does its job by blocking estrogens from getting to the receptors of the cells in the body, including cancer cells. The body still produces estrogens, but their effects are blocked in some cells.

Why is anastrozole used in postmenopausal?

Arimidex (chemical name: anastrozole) is an aromatase inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat: postmenopausal women diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive, early-stage breast cancer after surgery (or possibly chemotherapy and radiation) to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

Can you still get breast cancer while taking anastrozole?

Some people worry about stopping their treatment, but there’s evidence that anastrozole continues to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back for many years after you stop taking it. However, not taking the drug for the recommended time may increase the risk of your breast cancer coming back.

What is the function of aromatase?

Aromatase is an enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens, and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) can eliminate the production of estrogen.

Does Arimidex lower estrogen?

Arimidex lowers estrogen levels and can prevent breast growth in males. However, the drug also has side effects of its own.

Which is the best aromatase inhibitor?

an aromatase inhibitor is the best hormonal therapy to start with. When treating early-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, aromatase inhibitors have more benefits and fewer serious side effects than tamoxifen.

How effective are aromatase inhibitors?

According to a 2015 study in The Lancet, aromatase inhibitors are 30% more effective in preventing breast cancer recurrence and are able to decrease mortality rates by 15% after five years when compared to tamoxifen.

How to cope with side effects of aromatase inhibitors?

Hormonal therapies such as the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole can increase coughing. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of fluid a day to keep the lining of your breathing tube moist. Use a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air.

What does an aromatase inhibitor do?

Aromatase inhibitors are used to stop the production of estrogen in postmenopausal women. They work by blocking the enzyme aromatase which turns the hormone androgen into small quantity of estrogen in the body. This indicates that there is less estrogen in the body to simulate the growth of the hormone receptor positive breast cancer cells.