Fulvestrant provides new hope for women with advanced
breast cancer whose disease has progressed following prior anti-
estrogen treatmentFulvestrant is a new type of estrogen receptor antagonist with no agonist effects, that reduces cellular levels of both estrogen and progesterone
receptors. The downregulation of cellular levels of the estrogen receptor protein results in complete abrogation of estrogen-sensitive gene transcription. This distinct mechanism of action ensures a lack of cross-resistance with other
hormonal agents and, has no known estrogen-agonist effects.
Breast cancer,the goal of treatment for these women is to maintain good quality of life for as long as is feasibly possible. Hormonal agents such as aromatase inhibitors and
tamoxifen are standard therapy in postmenopausal women with advanced disease. However, in time tumour cells can grow resistant to treatment with these hormonal therapies. Aromatase inhibitors (e.g. Anastrozole) work by reducing the amount of estrogen in a woman''s body, and tamoxifen (an anti-estrogen) blocks estrogen receptors. However, tamoxifen also mimics some of the actions of estrogen, which can result in unwanted side effects. In contrast, fulvestrant works by blocking and removing the estrogen receptors in the breast cancer cells and, unlike tamoxifen, does not mimic the actions of estrogen.
fulvestrant is given once monthly as a slow release formulation administered by an intramuscular injection (250 mg). As such, fulvestrant brings welcome compliance benefits for some women, and for the first time offers a monthly alternative to the once-daily tablet. These key benefits of fulvestrant provide an important new treatment option for patients with advanced breast cancer.
Write your abstract here.
More abstracts about the Fulvestrant (Faslodex) - A new Anti-estrogen