Inhibitors of steroidogenic enzymes for the treatment of breast cancer.
The most important mitogen for human breast cancer is oestrogen. Since oestrogens are synthesized via a protracted series of enzymic conversions from cholesterol, there are many potential targets for inhibition which could theoretically lead to suppression of oestrogen synthesis. However, inhibition of many of these targets is complicated by a resultant interference in the synthesis of other steroids, particularly glucocorticoids. This results in inhibitors of aromatase being the most rational choice for oestrogen suppression in breast cancer patients. Several aromatase inhibitors are in clinical usage. It is important that the clinical effectiveness of these is compared with that of the antioestrogen, tamoxifen.
Dowsett
M
M
Department of Academic Biochemistry, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, England.
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004967:Estrogens / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D004967:Estrogens