How it Works in Breast Cancer Treatment

Hormone therapy is most commonly used to treat breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive. This means that the cancer cells have receptors that can bind to hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. It works by either blocking the production of these hormones or blocking the receptors on cancer cells, preventing the hormones from binding to them.

Types

• Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): These drugs work by blocking the estrogen receptors on cancer cells, preventing estrogen from binding to them. Examples of SERMs include tamoxifen and raloxifene.

• Aromatase inhibitors: These drugs work by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogen. By reducing the levels of estrogen in the body, they can slow or stop the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells. Examples of aromatase inhibitors include anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane.

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: These drugs work by reducing the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body by suppressing the production of gonadotropins, which are hormones that stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone. Examples of GnRH agonists include goserelin and leuprolide.

• Estrogen receptor down regulators: These drugs work by blocking the estrogen receptors on cancer cells and reducing their numbers. Examples of estrogen receptor down regulators include fulvestrant.

Medical Center