Testolactone
Testolactone
Testolactone (pronounced tes-toh-LAK-tone) is a synthetic steroid and antineoplastic agent that is used in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. It is a derivative of progesterone and works by inhibiting the production of estrogen, a hormone that can promote the growth of breast cancer cells.
Etymology
The term "testolactone" is derived from the words "testo-", referring to the testosterone hormone, and "-lactone", a suffix used in organic chemistry to denote a type of cyclic compound. The name reflects the drug's structural similarity to testosterone and its lactone ring.
Pharmacology
Testolactone is classified as an aromatase inhibitor, a class of drugs that block the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens. By inhibiting this enzyme, testolactone reduces the levels of estrogen in the body, thereby slowing the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells.
Usage
Testolactone is typically used in the treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is usually given orally in the form of tablets, with the dosage determined by the patient's body weight and the severity of the condition.
Side Effects
Common side effects of testolactone include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rash. Less common side effects can include dizziness, headache, and changes in menstrual periods.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Testolactone
- Wikipedia's article - Testolactone
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