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Published on: August 13, 2019
Selective estrogen receptor modulators: the future in menopausal treatment
1DPalacios Institute of Woman's Health Madrid, Spain. ipalacios@institutopalacios.com
Minerva Ginecologica
|June 10, 2011
Summary
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) offer tissue-specific effects as alternatives to hormone therapy. Newer SERMs and tissue selective estrogen complexes show promise for menopause treatment, despite ongoing research for the ideal option.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Hormone therapy (HT) perceptions have evolved due to new study findings on its benefits and risks.
- Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) provide tissue-specific estrogenic effects, acting as an alternative to HT.
- SERMs exhibit varied gene modulation, leading to distinct biological responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving landscape of Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs).
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of established and emerging SERMs for menopause management.
- To introduce the concept of tissue selective estrogen complexes (TSEC) in relation to SERMs.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data for established and third-generation SERMs.
- Analysis of the pharmacological profiles and clinical outcomes of SERMs.
- Examination of the TSEC concept and its potential therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- Established SERMs (tamoxifen, raloxifene) benefit breast, bone, and lipids but carry risks like venous thromboembolism and hot flashes.
- Current SERMs do not demonstrate preventive effects on non-vertebral fractures.
- Third-generation SERMs (bazedoxifene, lasofoxifene, ospemifene) have completed Phase III trials and are under regulatory review.
Conclusions:
- Newer generations of SERMs and the TSEC concept offer promising advancements in menopause treatment.
- While an ideal SERM is yet to be developed, current options represent attractive therapeutic choices.
- Continued research into SERMs and related therapies is crucial for optimizing women's health outcomes.
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