Weekly Health Page Articles: Cancer Institute

New Treatment Available for Breast Cancer

Nearly half of all breast cancer tumors depend on the hormone estrogen for growth. Tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer, is commonly used to reduce the risk of recurring tumors by stopping estrogen-stimulated cancer cells from multiplying. Once that happens, tumor cells start to regress. Now, a class of drugs that lowers the body's production of estrogen, called aromatase inhibitors, is opening up a new treatment option for postmenopausal women.

"Aromatase inhibitors are considered superior to tamoxifen in terms of reducing the risk that cancer will spread," says Prem Sobti, MD, medical oncologist on staff at Saint Francis Medical Center's Cancer Institute. "When dealing with breast cancer in advanced stages, the use of these medications can be successful."

Most women taking aromatase inhibitors rarely experience side effects, although some could include upset stomach, mild nausea, and slight muscle and joint aches. If you are currently taking tamoxifen, explore your options. Talk to your oncologist to see if switching to aromatase inhibitors is safe and right for you.

From Weekly Health Page: Feb. 26, 2006