Description

Anastrozole is a relatively new drug developed for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in women. It belongs to a class of third-generation selective oral aromatase inhibitors, and was the first of its kind to be introduced. Anastrozole works by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, effectively blocking the conversion of androgens into estrogens. Since many forms of breast cancer are estrogen-dependent, reducing estrogen levels in the body can help slow or halt the progression of the disease.

This mechanism differs from that of Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate), which blocks the action of estrogen at the receptor level rather than its production. The estrogen-suppressing effects of Anastrozole can be quite significant. A standard clinical dose of 1 mg daily has been shown to reduce estrogen levels by over 80% in treated patients.

Clinically, Anastrozole is intended for postmenopausal women whose breast cancer has continued to progress despite previous treatment with tamoxifen. Because of its powerful hormonal effects, it is not typically used in premenopausal women due to the risk of more severe side effects such as hot flushes and hair thinning.