Aromatase Inhibitors: Development and Current Perspectives

Abstract:

Aim: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, consistently elevated estrogen level in the blood associated with persistently in breast cancer found in many studies. The mechanisms of carcinogenesis whereby cancer is associated involved in the conversion of androgen to estrogen in the presence of enzyme aromatase. Materials and Methods: Aromatase is a (CYP19), a cytochrome P450, which is the enzyme that synthesizes estrogen. Aromatase which is expressed in higher concentration in breast play a pivotal role in the origin and progression of breast cancer. In situ inhibition of aromatase enzyme accomplished by the prevention of aromatase expression in breast cancer. Results: The success of aromatase inhibition could result in the suppression and progression of breast cancer. One of the ways to reduce the incidence of breast cancer by inhibiting estrogen biosynthesis in breast tissue. Aromatase inhibitor therapy is considered for second-line treatment in patients who fail anti-estrogen therapy. Conclusion: Several potent and selective aromatase inhibitors have been developed and used to treat breast cancer. Some of them have passed clinical trial phase II. Development in the field has encouraged us to review work on the Aromatase inhibitor.

Key words: Non-Steroidal aromatase inhibitor, Aromatase, Cancer, Aromatase Inhibitors.