Altering the estrogenic milieu of breast cancer with a focus on the new aromatase inhibitors.
Aromatase is a dual-enzyme complex that catalyzes the synthesis of estrogen from androgenic precursors. Although evidence implicates estrogens in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, recent findings suggest that deregulation of aromatase may be a crucial link between these hormones and this neoplasm. Whereas tamoxifen is the endocrine therapy of choice, selective inhibition of aromatase may be equally effective, and possibly less toxic, in the management of patients with hormone-responsive breast tumors.
Higa
G M
GM
School of Pharmacy, Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown 26506-9520, USA.
D001141:Aromatase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004967:Estrogens / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009376:Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control
D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D004967:Estrogens; D001141:Aromatase