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Progress in endocrine approaches to the treatment and prevention of breast cancer

Ifeyinwa Obiorah1, V Craig Jordan

  • 1Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, United States. oi3@georgetown.edu

Maturitas
|October 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Endocrine therapies, including aromatase inhibitors and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), are crucial for managing and preventing breast cancer. These treatments offer improved efficacy and options for high-risk individuals and postmenopausal women.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Tamoxifen was the sole hormonal therapy for breast cancer systemic treatment from 1973 to 2000.
  • Significant advancements have yielded potent third-generation aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current strategies in endocrine therapy for breast cancer management and prevention.
  • To highlight the evolution and application of hormonal agents in oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of endocrine therapies for breast cancer.
  • Analysis of efficacy and approval status of aromatase inhibitors and SERMs.

Main Results:

  • Aromatase inhibitors demonstrate superior efficacy to tamoxifen, approved as first-line agents for advanced ER-positive breast cancer and adjuvant therapy in postmenopausal women.
  • Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like tamoxifen and raloxifene are used for breast cancer prevention in high-risk women.
  • Third-generation SERMs show bone loss reduction in postmenopausal women, approved for osteoporosis treatment in the EU.

Conclusions:

  • Endocrine therapy has evolved significantly, offering improved treatment and prevention strategies for breast cancer.
  • Aromatase inhibitors and SERMs are key components in the modern management of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and prevention.

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