The Battle Against Breast Cancer: Endocrine Therapy Explained
Published: Jun 05, 2024
Endocrine therapy is a crucial part of treatment for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Discover how it works and why it's important.
Contents
What is Endocrine Therapy?
Endocrine therapy is used to block the body's natural hormones that can fuel certain breast cancers. For postmenopausal women, it often involves aromatase inhibitors that reduce estrogen levels, helping keep cancer cells from growing.
Types of Endocrine Therapy
There are different types of endocrine therapies, including aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane. These drugs are usually taken in pill form and are selected based on the patient's specific needs and tolerance.
Comparing Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors
Tamoxifen is another option, especially for those who can't tolerate aromatase inhibitors. While both reduce cancer recurrence, aromatase inhibitors often have better outcomes but come with their own side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
It blocks hormones that help certain breast cancers grow.
Yes, including aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen.
Aromatase inhibitors generally have better outcomes.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right endocrine therapy can significantly impact treatment success.
Talk to Doctronic to find the best treatment plan for you!Related Articles
References
Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group (EBCTCG), Dowsett M, Forbes JF, et al. Aromatase inhibitors versus tamoxifen in early breast cancer: patient-level meta-analysis of the randomised trials. Lancet 2015; 386:1341.
Regan MM, Neven P, Giobbie-Hurder A, et al. Assessment of letrozole and tamoxifen alone and in sequence for postmenopausal women with steroid hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: the BIG 1-98 randomised clinical trial at 8·1 years median follow-up. Lancet Oncol 2011; 12:1101.
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