Aromatase Inhibitors and Breast Cancer

Abstract

The influence of estrogens on the growth of breast cancer has been recognized since Beatson first performed ovariectomies on breast cancer patients a century ago (Beatson, 1896). Pharmacological approaches have now largely replaced surgical procedures as means of reducing estrogen concentrations and limiting its actions. Two treatment strategies for reducing the effects of estrogens are proving to be therapeutically effective. These are inhibition of estrogen action by antiestrogens that interact with estrogen receptors in the tumor, and inhibition of estrogen production by inhibitors of aromatase (estrogen synthetase). Until recently, all antiestrogens were known to be weak or partial estrogen agonists in addition to being antagonists. Inhibitors of aromatase, acting by a different mechanism, are not associated with estrogenic activity. We therefore postulated that more complete estrogen blockade might result in greater tumor response.KeywordsBreast CancerAromatase InhibitorAromatase ActivityPostmenopausal Breast Cancer PatientEstrone SulfateThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.