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Related Concept Videos

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Infertility in Females01:28

Infertility in Females

Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
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Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones01:24

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
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Ovaries01:26

Ovaries

The ovaries are roughly the size of almonds and measure approximately 2 to 3 centimeters in length. These paired structures are situated within the pelvic region and are anchored by the mesovarium—a peritoneal extension that also connects them to the wider structure of the broad ligament. The support system extends to the suspensory ligament, housing blood and lymphatic vessels. In addition, the ovarian ligament tethers the ovaries to the uterus.
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Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...

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Role of ctDNA in Predicting the Outcome of Patients with Hormone Receptor-Positive, HER2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer Treated with First-line Ribociclib and Letrozole: BioItaLEE Trial.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives
08:46

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Published on: September 16, 2021

Letrozole.

Silvia Dellapasqua1, Marco Colleoni

  • 1European Institute of Oncology, Medical Senology Research Unit, Division of Medical Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy.

Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
|January 26, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Letrozole is a well-tolerated and effective aromatase inhibitor for treating postmenopausal women with breast cancer in metastatic, adjuvant, and neoadjuvant settings.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Estrogens fuel breast cancer growth in postmenopausal women.
  • Aromatase inhibitors are crucial for breast cancer treatment.
  • This review focuses on letrozole, a third-generation aromatase inhibitor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of letrozole.
  • To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of letrozole.
  • To discuss future directions for letrozole in breast cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of letrozole studies.
  • MEDLINE database utilized for studies up to November 2009.
  • Review encompassing preclinical and clinical data.

Main Results:

  • Letrozole demonstrates favorable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles.
  • Preclinical and clinical studies confirm letrozole's efficacy.
  • Safety data indicate letrozole is well-tolerated.

Conclusions:

  • Letrozole is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
  • Clinical trials support letrozole's use in early breast cancer (adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings).
  • Future research includes combining letrozole with novel biologic agents and personalized treatment approaches.