Formestane is an injectable medication used to treat certain types of breast cancer. It is a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor, which works by blocking the body's production of the hormone estrogen. Estrogen can stimulate the growth of some types of breast cancer. By reducing the amount of estrogen in the body, Formestane can help slow the growth of the cancer. It is typically used in postmenopausal women who have hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Formestane is a medication used to treat a specific type of breast cancer. Here's a breakdown of its key points:
Medical Use:
- Treats estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. This means the cancer cells rely on estrogen to grow.
How it Works:
- Acts as an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is an enzyme that converts androgens (male hormones) into estrogens (female hormones) in postmenopausal women.
- By blocking the aromatase enzyme, formestane reduces estrogen production in the body, hindering the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells.
Availability:
- Important to note that Formestane is not widely available anymore.
- It was previously sold under the brand name Lentaron but has been withdrawn from the market in some countries, including the US.
- There are other aromatase inhibitor medications in use for breast cancer treatment.
Additional Points:
- Formestane was administered via intramuscular injection (shot) as it wasn't effective when taken orally.
- It was known to have some side effects like hot flashes, joint pain, and fatigue.
If you have any further questions about Formestane or its role in breast cancer treatment, it's best to consult a medical professional.