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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Monitoring Breast Cancer Growth and Metastatic Colony Formation in Mice using Bioluminescence
Published on: November 5, 2021
Arimidex inhibition on proliferation of human breast solid tumors measured by ATP bioluminescence
Edith Y T Tse1, Wings T Y Loo, Mary N B Cheung
1Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Pokfulam Road, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
Abstract:
To determine the degree of Arimidex (Anastrozole) inhibition on proliferation of human breast solid tumors in vitro by ATP bioluminescence assay. Breast cancer solid tumors with different hormone receptors and grading were collected from 38 Chinese women with invasive breast cancers. Tumors were treated with three concentrations of Arimidex (1.5 mM, 15 mM and 150 mM). ATP bioluminescence assay was used to measure the metabolic rate in order to determine the degree of inhibition of Arimidex on the breast cancer tumors by comparing to the untreated tumors. 15 mM Arimidex shows greatest inhibitory effect on the proliferation of solid tumors with ER-postive/PR-positive. It can also inhibit the growth of metastatic tumors and tumors with HER-2/neu expression. It shows greater inhibitory effect in lower grading of tumors then higher. Arimidex may effectively inhibit the growth of breast tumors in in vitro system by inhibiting aromatase and block estrogen dependent tumor growth.
Insights
Arimidex (Anastrozole) effectively inhibits human breast cancer cell growth in vitro. The drug showed the greatest effect on estrogen receptor-positive tumors, regardless of metastatic status or HER-2/neu expression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Estrogen fuels the growth of many breast cancers.
- Arimidex (Anastrozole) is a widely used aromatase inhibitor for breast cancer treatment.
- Understanding Anastrozole's efficacy across different tumor subtypes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro inhibitory effects of Arimidex on human breast cancer proliferation.
- To determine the optimal concentration of Arimidex for inhibiting tumor growth.
- To assess Anastrozole's efficacy against tumors with varying hormone receptor statuses and grades.
Main Methods:
- Human breast cancer solid tumors from 38 patients were collected.
- Tumor samples were treated with three concentrations of Arimidex (1.5 mM, 15 mM, 150 mM).
- ATP bioluminescence assay measured metabolic rate to quantify Anastrozole's inhibitory effect compared to untreated controls.
Main Results:
- 15 mM Arimidex demonstrated the strongest inhibition of proliferation in ER-positive/PR-positive solid tumors.
- Anastrozole inhibited the growth of metastatic tumors and those expressing HER-2/neu.
- Higher efficacy was observed in lower-grade tumors compared to higher-grade ones.
Conclusions:
- Arimidex effectively inhibits human breast tumor growth in an in vitro system.
- The drug functions by inhibiting aromatase, thereby blocking estrogen-dependent tumor proliferation.
- Anastrozole shows potential as a treatment for various subtypes of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer.

