Role of new selective aromatase inhibitor in therapy for metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Anastrozole offers a new option for many postmenopausal women with metastatic breast cancer who no longer respond to antiestrogen therapy. It has a lower side effect profile for weight gain and peripheral edema and equivalent efficacy to the current second-line therapy, megestrol acetate, which may improve quality of life. Due to its selectivity and lack of clinically significant effects on cortisol metabolism, it does not have the toxicity problems of other aromatase inhibiting agents such as aminoglutethimide. Long-term studies are needed to adequately evaluate the impact of this degree of estrogen suppression on cardiovascular and bone mass risk factors [12]. Cost of therapy will certainly have an impact on the choice of second-line endocrine therapy in those with limited income sources and lack of prescription coverage. In summary, there is likely to be an increased use of nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor agents for second-line hormonal therapy of breast cancer. Due to increased length of survival, these individuals will not be seen exclusively by oncologists; their care will be shared with their primary care provider [21]. Providers must have an understanding of these agents and their potential impact on the long-term health care of the individual in order to provide knowledgeable and comprehensive care.
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D000077384:Anastrozole; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009570:Nitriles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017698:Postmenopause; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014230:Triazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D009570:Nitriles; D014230:Triazoles; D013629:Tamoxifen; D000077384:Anastrozole