Aromatasehæmmere

Aromatasehæmmere are a class of drugs used primarily in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. They work by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for converting androgens into estrogens in the body. By reducing estrogen levels, aromatasehæmmere can slow or stop the growth of breast cancer cells that rely on estrogen for fuel.

There are two main types of aromatasehæmmere: steroidal and non-steroidal. Steroidal aromatasehæmmere, such as exemestane, irreversibly bind to and inactivate the aromatase enzyme. Non-steroidal aromatasehæmmere, including anastrozole and letrozole, reversibly bind to the enzyme. The choice of aromatasehæmmer may depend on individual patient factors and physician preference.

These medications are typically administered orally. While effective, aromatasehæmmere can have side effects. Common side effects include hot flashes, joint pain (arthralgia), fatigue, and bone loss (osteoporosis). Due to the risk of bone loss, regular bone density monitoring and calcium and vitamin D supplementation are often recommended. Aromatasehæmmere are generally not prescribed for premenopausal women because the ovaries are the primary source of estrogen in this group, and the drugs are less effective at blocking ovarian estrogen production. Their use is a significant advancement in breast cancer therapy, offering an important alternative to other hormonal treatments.