Hormonal therapy for breast cancer: An overview
There are several types of hormonal therapy that are used to treat breast cancer. The most common type is called endocrine therapy, which includes drugs that either block the production of estrogen or block the action of estrogen on breast cancer cells. The two main classes of endocrine therapy drugs are selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and aromatase inhibitors.
SERMs work by binding to estrogen receptors on breast cancer cells, blocking the effects of estrogen and slowing the growth of the cancer. The most commonly used SERM is tamoxifen, which is taken as a pill once a day. Tamoxifen can be used to treat both early and advanced stage breast cancer, and is often taken for five to ten years. Another SERM, called raloxifene, is sometimes used to prevent breast cancer in women who are at high risk.
Aromatase inhibitors, on the other hand, work by blocking the production of estrogen in the body. They are only used in postmenopausal women, since the ovaries no longer produce significant amounts of estrogen after menopause. There are three different types of aromatase inhibitors: letrozole, anastrozole, and exemestane. These drugs are also taken as pills, and are often used to treat early stage breast cancer after surgery.
Another type of hormonal therapy is called ovarian ablation or suppression. This involves either surgically removing the ovaries or using drugs to suppress ovarian function, which decreases the amount of estrogen in the body. This therapy is only used in premenopausal women, since the ovaries are the main source of estrogen in the body before menopause. Ovarian ablation or suppression is often used in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy, and may be used before or after surgery.
Hormonal therapy can have side effects, although they are generally less severe than the side effects of chemotherapy. The most common side effects of hormonal therapy are hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and joint pain. Some women may also experience mood changes and depression. In rare cases, hormonal therapy can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and endometrial cancer.
In conclusion, hormonal therapy is an important treatment option for women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. It works by blocking the effects of hormones that fuel the growth of cancer cells, and can be used in combination with other treatments to improve outcomes. There are several different types of hormonal therapy, including endocrine therapy, ovarian ablation or suppression, and other experimental therapies. While it can have side effects, hormonal therapy generally has fewer side effects than chemotherapy and is well tolerated by most women. Overall, hormonal therapy is an effective and important part of breast cancer treatment and can help to improve outcomes and quality of life for women with this disease.