From the Guidelines
Anaztraxzole is not a recognized medication, however, a similarly named medication, Anastrozole, is used for breast cancer risk reduction in postmenopausal women. Based on the provided evidence, it appears that Anastrozole is a medication used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women at increased risk of developing breast cancer 1. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends discussing Anastrozole as an alternative to tamoxifen, raloxifene, or exemestane for breast cancer risk reduction in postmenopausal women 1. Some key points to consider when discussing Anastrozole with patients include:
- The medication should be taken at a dose of 1 mg/day orally for 5 years 1
- Women most likely to benefit from Anastrozole are those with a diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ, an estimated 5-year risk of at least 3%, or a 10-year risk of at least 5% 1
- Clinicians should evaluate patients for baseline fracture risk and measure bone mineral density before initiating Anastrozole, as it may increase the rate of bone loss 1
- Patients should be informed of the possibility of joint stiffness, arthralgias, vasomotor symptoms, hypertension, dry eyes, and vaginal dryness while taking Anastrozole 1. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for accurate information and guidance on breast cancer risk reduction and treatment options 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Anaztraxzole (Anastrozole) Overview
- Anastrozole is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor used in the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women 2.
- It works by reducing plasma estrogen levels, which are involved in the growth of breast cancer cells.
Clinical Efficacy
- Anastrozole has been shown to be effective in the treatment of advanced breast cancer, with similar clinical efficacy to megestrol acetate 2.
- In the adjuvant setting, anastrozole has been shown to improve disease-free survival and overall survival compared to tamoxifen 3, 4.
- Anastrozole has also been shown to be effective in the neoadjuvant setting, with improved clinical response and breast-conserving surgery rates compared to tamoxifen 3.
Comparison to Other Aromatase Inhibitors
- Anastrozole has been compared to other aromatase inhibitors, such as exemestane and letrozole, in clinical trials 3, 5.
- No significant differences in clinical activity were observed between anastrozole and exemestane in a phase 2 randomized trial 5.
Safety and Tolerability
- Anastrozole is generally well tolerated, with common adverse events including gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, and hot flushes 2, 4.
- Anastrozole has been shown to have a favorable safety profile compared to tamoxifen, with less frequent weight gain and fewer serious adverse events 2, 4.
Clinical Applications
- Anastrozole is approved for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women, including advanced breast cancer and early-stage breast cancer 2, 4, 6.
- Anastrozole is also used in the neoadjuvant setting to improve clinical response and breast-conserving surgery rates 3.