open access
Anastrozole as aromatase inhibitor – new approaches to breast cancer treatment in postmenopausal women
open access
Abstract
Introduction. Anastrozole is a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The condition for success of this type of treatment is the presence of estrogen receptors in cancer cells. Anastrozole belongs to strong-acting, nonsteroidal inhibitors of aromatase, which is responsible for androgen-estrogen conversion process. The metabolism of this drug is based on biotransformation both in phase I and II. Initially it metabolizes in the liver with cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, followed by a glucuronidation reaction catalyzed by the UGT1A4 enzyme.
Material and method. In order to minimize the side effects, new therapeutic approaches are sought to increase the success of the therapy.
Conclusions. Biodegradable nano-tools that deliver anastrozole to the target site with an increase in its half-life to 144 hours are a promising method. A similar effect can be achieved by using a transdermal anastrozole administration system, which is a completely non-invasive method of treatment.
Abstract
Introduction. Anastrozole is a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The condition for success of this type of treatment is the presence of estrogen receptors in cancer cells. Anastrozole belongs to strong-acting, nonsteroidal inhibitors of aromatase, which is responsible for androgen-estrogen conversion process. The metabolism of this drug is based on biotransformation both in phase I and II. Initially it metabolizes in the liver with cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, followed by a glucuronidation reaction catalyzed by the UGT1A4 enzyme.
Material and method. In order to minimize the side effects, new therapeutic approaches are sought to increase the success of the therapy.
Conclusions. Biodegradable nano-tools that deliver anastrozole to the target site with an increase in its half-life to 144 hours are a promising method. A similar effect can be achieved by using a transdermal anastrozole administration system, which is a completely non-invasive method of treatment.
Keywords
anastrozole, aromatase, P450 cytochrome, nanotechnology, transdermal system
About this articleTitle
Anastrozole as aromatase inhibitor – new approaches to breast cancer treatment in postmenopausal women
Journal
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology
Issue
Article type
Review paper
Pages
26-35
Published online
2019-06-18
Page views
1079
Article views/downloads
1116
DOI
Bibliographic record
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2019;69(1):26-35.
Keywords
anastrozole
aromatase
P450 cytochrome
nanotechnology
transdermal system
Authors
Izabela Piotrowska
Magdalena Piotrowska