A group of widely heralded drugs used to treat breast cancer patients to prevent recurrence of tumors , is now proving troublesome for many women who have to take them. Aromatase inhibitors have long been a cornerstone of breast cancer treatment; they are often given to post-menopausal breast cancer patients who have completed their chemotherapy treatments.
This class of drugs, which includes letrozole (Femara), exemestane (Aromasin) and anastrazole (Arimidex) block the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for the conversion of androgen hormones in women to estrogen. Many breast tumors are fed by circulating estrogen, therefore this class of drugs work to decrease circulating estrogen in women who have had breast cancer.
Post-menopausal breast cancer patients who have had surgery and undergone chemotherapy regimens are typically put on an aromatase inhibitor for a period of five years after their treatments, to prevent recurrence of tumors. Women who are pre-menopausal are typically put on tamoxifen after their treatments are complete.
Dozens of research studies have confirmed the benefits of these drugs in preventing tumor recurrence and extending disease-free years in patients with advanced forms of the disease. The benefits seemed clear. So why are so many women choosing not to take these life saving drugs?
Research presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium illustrated the difficulty women have with aromatase inhibitor therapy. According to Lynne Wagner, lead author of the study conducted at Northwestern University in Chicago, 36% of women prescribed aromatase inhibitors do not complete the course of treatment, due to unpleasant side effects.
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