How letrozole acts as anticancer agent? Why it is used in postmenopausal women? Letrozole is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor with less steroidal side effects. This drug is going to inhibit the extra adrenal synthesis of the estrogens from the androstenedione as well as testosterone. Androstenedione is converted to estrone and testosterone is converted to estradiol, both of these reactions are mediated by aromatase enzyme which is going to be blocked by letrozole.
That's why letrozole can be used in the treatment of breast cancer in the post-menopausal woman and this drug can also increase the follicle stimulating hormone levels by negative feedback mechanism. As the estrogens are not synthesized, it results the negative feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary which release the more follicle stimulating hormone resulting in the follicular growth and ovulation.
Letrozole can be used as an off-label purpose to increase the ovulation in the anovulatory women.
This drug may increase the risk of fractures because it decrease the bone mineral density and it can also increase the cholesterol levels.
It can produce few other side effects like the hot flashes, arthralgia, headache, dizziness and it can also produce some hepatic impairment where the dose should be adjusted and letrozole can be given on alternative days in order to reduce its toxicity.
Watch precautions & side effects of letrozole here. [ Ссылка ]
#femara
#aromatase
#letrozole
0:00 Introduction
1:59 Structure of LETROZOLE
2:53 Postmenopausal women
5:48 Hypothalamus
7:06 Precautions
8:34 Side effects
9:01 How it is given?
