Do You Know the Difference Between Tamoxifen and Other Aromatase Inhibitors?
Whether you are currently taking Tamoxifen or another Aromatase inhibitor, you may be wondering if you are getting the most out of your medication. This article will help you by exploring the differences between tamoxifen and other aromatase inhibitors, as well as the side effects you may experience when taking them.
Steroidal vs nonsteroidal
Compared with nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors (AIs), steroidal AIs exhibit a different mode of action. However, the chemical structures of the two classes of compounds are quite similar.
The mode of action of the steroidal AIs is based on their ability to bind to the cytochrome P-450 component of the aromatase enzyme. These compounds have been shown to be highly effective at inhibiting the enzyme in vitro. In addition, they have been shown to inhibit the enzyme in vivo at a similar level.
These compounds are known to suppress estrogen synthesis in vivo by >90%. In addition, they have been shown to have favorable tolerability profiles, with very few side effects. In addition, they are commonly used as second-line agents in patients with tamoxifen resistance. These compounds are also used as first-line therapies in early-stage and metastatic breast cancer.
Third-generation AIs are highly selective competitive inhibitors of the aromatase enzyme. They are more potent and have favorable tolerability profiles. They are known to suppress estrogen synthesis in a greater proportion of patients. They are also more effective than previous generations of AIs.
They have also been shown to reduce the incidence of bone-related adverse events, such as bone loss and fractures. However, despite these benefits, a full understanding of the clinical relevance of third-generation compounds is still lacking. In addition, further investigation is needed to assess the clinical relevance of third-generation compounds in human breast cancer.
One third-generation compound, exemestane, has been approved for the treatment of postmenopausal women with metastatic BC who have progressed on tamoxifen. Exemestane is an irreversible steroidal inhibitor that binds to the substrate-binding pocket of the aromatase enzyme. This inhibition may lead to clinical disease stabilization after progression on nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors.
Letrozole, on the other hand, is a nonsteroidal AI, which belongs to the triazole family of compounds. Letrozole has been shown to be highly effective at suppressing estrogen synthesis in vivo. In addition, letrozole has been shown to be effective in treating early-stage breast cancer and to have a survival benefit in patients with a longer follow-up.
Side effects
Generally speaking, aromatase inhibitors are a class of drugs that work to reduce the levels of estrogen in the body. They are most often used to treat estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancers in postmenopausal women. However, they are not always effective. They may also have some side effects.
These medications come as pills that are taken once a day. Unlike tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors do not affect the production of estrogen in the ovaries. However, they are able to lower the amount of estrogen in the body by up to ninety-five percent. This can help reduce the risk of cancers recurring in women with breast cancer. However, aromatase inhibitors may also increase the risk of osteoporosis. This is why doctors may recommend taking calcium supplements and weight-bearing exercises to help decrease the risk of bone loss.
Compared to tamoxifen, aromatase-inhibiting drugs have fewer side effects. However, they may still cause joint and muscle pain. The medication may also cause dry eyes. If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your doctor. You can also treat the condition with artificial tears and lubricants.
Bone loss is a serious side effect of aromatase inhibitors. This is why doctors may recommend that you get a bone density scan every one to two years while taking these medications. Regular physical activity can help alleviate muscle and joint pain.
A new study suggests that aromatase inhibitors may increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure. This may be due to the effects of the drugs on estrogen. However, more studies are needed to determine the exact causes of these side effects.
Aromatase inhibitors may also increase the risk of bone fractures. Researchers have found that the rate of fractures in women using anastrozole was similar to the rate of fractures in women using tamoxifen. However, after a period of time, the rate of fractures for anastrozole declined to a similar rate as tamoxifen.
Other common side effects include bone thinning, joint pain, and muscle aches. While these side effects are not serious, they can cause poor adherence to the treatment plan.
Comparison to tamoxifen
Compared with tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women. The proportional reduction in recurrence was similar in both groups and did not depend on the patient’s characteristics. The absolute risk reduction was 3 percent. However, the aromatase inhibitors were more likely to cause endometrial abnormalities than tamoxifen. The risk of fractures was also greater in the aromatase inhibitor group. The rate of thromboembolic events was lower in the letrozole group.
This meta-analysis included four phases III trials. It compared third-generation AIs (anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole) with tamoxifen 20 mg. The studies included 3,500 women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The results were not statistically significant. However, a meta-analysis is planned. It will include more trials and will assess overall survival. It is also possible that the results are a chance finding.
The combined data of the four trials showed a 10-year risk of breast cancer mortality. The 10-year all-cause mortality risk was not statistically different between the tamoxifen and AIs groups. Compared with the tamoxifen group, the AIs group had a higher rate of osteoporosis. It was also observed that AIs did not reduce the rate of distant recurrence.
However, the benefit of aromatase inhibitors over tamoxifen was not observed in women with HER2-positive disease. This was due to the fact that the trials included a small proportion of patients with HER2-positive disease. The most common patients with HER2-positive disease were from the ABCSG XII trial. Nevertheless, there were also some differences between the trials, so the results were not fully statistically significant.
The benefit of AIs over tamoxifen was also not observed in the group with N4+ disease. This was due to the fact that most of the trials included a small proportion of patients whose tumors were ER-negative. The benefits of endocrine therapy were uncertain for these women. The trialists did not specify additional endpoints.
It is still unknown whether AIs improve overall survival in postmenopausal women with ER-positive breast cancer. The benefit may depend on the nodal status of the disease. The results of the trials suggest that the treatment effects of AIs may be similar in premenopausal women.
Alternatives to aromatase inhibitors
Often, women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer will be prescribed one of several aromatase inhibitors. These drugs are also called endocrine therapy and are used to reduce estrogen levels in the body. They are not a cure for breast cancer but can help lower the recurrence rate and decrease mortality rates. These medications are also effective in treating prostate cancer and may reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
However, aromatase inhibitors are not for everyone. Some studies have found that they can increase the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular problems. Those with a history of heart problems should talk with their physician about whether or not they are a good candidate for aromatase inhibitors.
Some women may not want to take aromatase inhibitors, and some are choosing to stop taking them. The reason is that they are becoming aware of the side effects and potential risks associated with the drugs. Those women may choose to switch to another type of drug instead.
Depending on your doctor’s recommendations, you may also be prescribed a dietary supplement that can lower your estrogen levels. These supplements include vitamin B-12, magnesium, and vitamin D. A study at the University of Toronto found that women who have good blood levels of these nutrients survive longer than women who have deficiencies.
Some women may also be prescribed fulvestrant (Faslodex), a selective estrogen receptor degrader. This medication works differently than tamoxifen, and it is used to slow the growth of breast cancer cells.
If you are planning to start using aromatase inhibitors, be sure to have your bone health checked. Your bones may be weakened by the drugs, and you may be prescribed osteoporosis drugs. You may also need to make dietary changes to lower your cholesterol levels.
A number of everyday foods may also help lower your estrogen levels without the use of aromatase inhibitors. These include red grapes, celery, and parsley. You can also try a supplement like white button mushrooms, which have antioxidant properties that can help lower your estrogen levels. You can also use cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, or herbs like sage and basil to block estrogen.
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