Aromatase Inhibitors: Addressing Cancers Caused by Hormones A family of medications known as aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is mostly used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. They function by preventing the enzyme aromatase from doing its job, which is to change androgens (male hormones) in the body into estrogens (female hormones). AIs aid in the slowing or cessation of the growth of hormone-driven malignancies by lowering estrogen levels. One of the most prevalent cancers in women is breast cancer, and oestrogen is a major cause of breast cancer. Cancer cells have estrogen receptors on their surface, which allow estrogen to bind and promote tumor development and cell division. Estrogen is especially sensitive to hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, which include both progesterone receptor-positive (PR+) and estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumors. In clinical practice, three primary classes of aromatase inhibitors are utilized: letrozole, exemestane, and anastrozozole. Since the ovaries are the main source of estrogen in premenopausal women, aromatase activity in those women is mostly concentrated in the ovaries, these medications are usually administered to postmenopausal women. Conversely, postmenopausal women produce less estrogen from their ovaries, which means that aromatase activity in other tissues—like fat and muscle—becomes the main source of estrogen in these individuals. Exemestane is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor, whereas anastrozozole and letrozole are non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors. By attaching themselves to the aromatase enzyme, they stop androgens from being converted to estrogen. These medications assist in depriving hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells of their fuel by lowering estrogen levels, which slows the growth of tumors and lowers the chance of recurrence. AIs may have negative repercussions even in spite of their effectiveness. Hot flashes, joint and muscular discomfort, and bone loss—which can result in osteoporosis—are typical adverse effects. For patients using AIs, regular bone density monitoring and the usage of supplements like calcium and vitamin D are frequently advised in order to lessen these side effects. The therapy of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer has been transformed by aromatase inhibitors, which also lower the chance of recurrence and improve outcomes. To give a holistic approach to cancer care, they are frequently used in conjunction with other treatments such surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Patients with hormone-driven malignancies may have more options if research results in the development of new generations of AIs with greater efficacy and fewer negative effects.
