Current status of hormonal treatments for metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
To review hormonal treatments for advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women.


METHODS
Published manuscripts, oncology journals, and clinical experience.


RESULTS
Traditionally, hormonal treatments have included surgery and manipulation of estrogen, progestin, or androgen levels. Selective aromatase inhibitors have the advantage of a low side effect profile and offer a new treatment option for advanced breast cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
New drug development has made a significant contribution to safe and effective oral treatments for advanced breast cancer with improved side effect profiles.


CONCLUSIONS
An increased awareness of hormonal treatments in advanced breast cancer will help nurses educate, counsel, and promote patient awareness and acceptance.
Wasaff
B
B
Department of Breast Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA.
D000368:Aged; D000728:Androgens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D011372:Progestins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000728:Androgens; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D011372:Progestins