Title:The Evolutionary Tale and Future Directions of Aromatase Inhibitors in Breast Carcinoma
Volume: 17
Issue: 11
Author(s): Dipanjan Bhattacharjee, K. Meena Kumari *, S. Avin and V. Amberkar Mohan Babu
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Campus, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104,India
Keywords:
Aromatisation, evolution, breast neoplasm, premenopausal age-group, prevention, resistance.
Abstract: Aromatase inhibitors have often been likened to that of 'medical scalpels' for the treatment of breast
carcinoma. By inhibiting the singular step of aromatisation, they have proven to be extremely effective allies in
the treatment of breast cancer among postmenopausal women. However, their relevance soon may not be limited
to the post-menopausal age group alone. Recent studies have hinted at their utility amongst the premenopausal
women; combined with ovarian ablation techniques, aromatase inhibitors may prove to be equally
effective and more, as compared to tamoxifen in this age-group. Additionally, explorations aimed at ascertaining
their potential utility as an effective preventive strategy against breast carcinoma have yielded encouraging
results. However, for aromatase inhibitors to be able to attain their full potential, further strategic fine-tuning
aimed at maximising their efficacy and minimising their potentially far-reaching adverse effects, is the need of
the hour. Despite the recent diversification, the issue of resistance to aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer
threatens to derail the advances so gained till date. Fortunately, a few novel ploys have come to the fore, for
instance combining aromatase inhibitors with HER-2 antibodies that could potentially help circumvent the menace
of resistance in the near future. Till date, the utility of aromatase inhibitors can at best be described as onedimensional.
However, with the unearthing of potential new avenues for its application, this assortment of molecules
today stands on the precipice of ushering in a new revolution in the treatment of breast carcinoma.
