Chemopreventive effects of anastrozole in a premenopausal breast cancer model
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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Peter Kubatka1, Vladimíra Sadlonová, Karol Kajo
1Department of Pharmacology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sklabinská 26, 037 53 Martin, Slovak Republic. kubatka@jfmed.uniba.sk
Background:
Monotherapy with aromatase inhibitors has no established role in premenopausal breast cancer in women and is an area of future exploration.
Materials And Methods:
In this study, chemopreventive effects of anastrozole in the model of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced premenopausal mammary carcinogenesis in female rats were evaluated. Anastrozole was dietarily administered at two concentrations: 0.05 mg/kg (ANA 0.05) and 0.5 mg/kg (ANA 0.5). Basic parameters of experimental carcinogenesis and side-effects on selected organs after anastrozole treatment in animals were assessed.
Results:
In the ANA 0.5 group, anastrozole suppressed tumor incidence by 40% (p<0.05) and tumor frequency by 57% (p<0.01), as well as lengthening the latency period by 10 days (p=0.084) compared to control animals. Adverse effects of anastrozole on the genital system (uterus and vagina) and lipid and bone metabolism in rats were not found. Anastrozole did not alter serum concentrations of estradiol, testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone in animals. An increase in the body weight gain of rats in the ANA 0.5 group compared with the controls (p<0.01) was observed.
Conclusion:
This study is the first about the antineoplastic effects of anastrozole in a model of premenopausal mammary carcinogenesis in female rats.
Insights
Anastrozole shows promise in preventing premenopausal breast cancer in a rat model, significantly reducing tumor incidence and frequency without adverse effects. This research explores its potential as a chemopreventive agent.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Preclinical Research
Background:
- Aromatase inhibitors lack established roles in premenopausal breast cancer treatment.
- This study investigates anastrozole's potential in a preclinical model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the chemopreventive effects of anastrozole in a rat model of premenopausal mammary carcinogenesis.
- To assess potential side-effects of anastrozole on selected organs and metabolic parameters.
Main Methods:
- Anastrozole was administered dietarily to female rats at two concentrations (0.05 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg).
- N-methyl-N-nitrosourea was used to induce mammary carcinogenesis.
- Tumor incidence, frequency, latency, and organ-specific side-effects were assessed.
Main Results:
- Anastrozole (0.5 mg/kg) suppressed tumor incidence by 40% and tumor frequency by 57%.
- A trend towards a longer latency period was observed (p=0.084).
- No adverse effects on the genital system, lipid, or bone metabolism were detected; serum hormone levels remained unaltered. Increased body weight gain was noted at the higher dose.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of anastrozole's antineoplastic effects in a premenopausal mammary carcinogenesis rat model.
- Anastrozole demonstrates chemopreventive potential with a favorable safety profile in this preclinical setting.
