Aromatase inhibitor

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Aromatase Inhibitor

Aromatase inhibitors (pronunciation: a-ro-ma-tase in-hi-bi-tors) are a class of drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer and ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women. They work by inhibiting the action of the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogens by a process called aromatization.

Etymology

The term "aromatase inhibitor" is derived from the name of the enzyme that these drugs inhibit, "aromatase", and the term "inhibitor" which refers to a substance that slows down or stops the activity of another substance.

Types of Aromatase Inhibitors

There are two types of aromatase inhibitors: steroidal and non-steroidal.

  • Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitors such as Exemestane work by permanently binding to the aromatase enzyme, deactivating it.
  • Non-Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitors such as Anastrozole and Letrozole bind temporarily to the enzyme and slow down the process of aromatization.

Usage

Aromatase inhibitors are primarily used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. They may also be used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, and to reduce the chance of recurrence of breast cancer.

Side Effects

Common side effects of aromatase inhibitors include hot flashes, joint pain, and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Less common but more serious side effects can include heart problems and an increased risk of bone fractures.

Related Terms

  • Aromatase: The enzyme that aromatase inhibitors work to inhibit.
  • Breast Cancer: A common type of cancer that aromatase inhibitors are used to treat.
  • Ovarian Cancer: Another type of cancer that can be treated with aromatase inhibitors.
  • Exemestane: A type of steroidal aromatase inhibitor.
  • Anastrozole: A type of non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor.
  • Letrozole: Another type of non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor.

External links

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