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Aromatase inhibitors: past, present and future in breast cancer therapy

Udayan Dutta1, Kartikeya Pant

  • 1Department of Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. Udayan.Dutta@umassmed.edu

Medical Oncology (Northwood, London, England)
|November 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are crucial for breast cancer treatment by blocking estrogen production. This review details the evolution and clinical use of third-generation AIs like anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Estrogen fuels breast cancer in most women.
  • Endocrine therapy targeting estrogen production is a long-standing treatment.
  • Molecular insights led to aromatase inhibitors (AIs) blocking estrogen synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolution of aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapies over 30 years.
  • To discuss third-generation AIs (anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane) biochemically and clinically.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of AI past, present, and future.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of aromatase inhibitor evolution.
  • Biochemical and clinical analysis of third-generation AIs.
  • Discussion of AI efficacy in adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and extended adjuvant settings.

Main Results:

  • Third-generation AIs demonstrate high specificity and efficacy.
  • These agents are effective in various breast cancer treatment settings.
  • Significant advancements in AI therapy have occurred over recent decades.

Conclusions:

  • Aromatase inhibitors represent a major advancement in breast cancer endocrine therapy.
  • Third-generation AIs are highly effective and specific treatments.
  • Continued research will shape the future of AI-based breast cancer management.

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