New endocrine drugs for treatment of advanced breast cancer

P E Lønning1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, England.

Insights

New aromatase inhibitors and antiestrogens are in clinical trials for breast cancer endocrine therapy. These novel drugs may advance breast cancer endocrinology research beyond their therapeutic applications.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Endocrine therapy is a cornerstone in breast cancer treatment.
  • Existing treatments face challenges and limitations.
  • Advancements in understanding breast cancer endocrinology are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current landscape of endocrine treatments for breast cancer.
  • To highlight emerging drug classes, including aromatase inhibitors and antiestrogens.
  • To discuss the potential of these new agents to deepen the understanding of breast cancer endocrinology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current endocrine therapies for breast cancer.
  • Analysis of emerging drug classes undergoing clinical trials.
  • Discussion of the biochemical actions and endocrinological implications of novel agents.

Main Results:

  • Several new aromatase inhibitors are entering clinical trials.
  • New antiestrogen therapies are also under investigation.
  • These agents exhibit diverse biochemical profiles within their drug classes.

Conclusions:

  • Novel endocrine agents offer promising therapeutic options for breast cancer.
  • The distinct mechanisms of these drugs can enhance the understanding of breast cancer endocrinology.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the full potential of these treatments.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

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...
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors01:27

Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors

Enzyme-linked receptors are cell-surface receptors acting as an enzyme or associating with an enzyme intracellularly. They make excellent drug targets. Drugs can bind to the extracellular ligand-binding domain or directly affect their enzymatic domain and alter their activity.
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists01:24

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists

Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...