Anastrazole treatment in breast cancer does not cause androgenic effect

Abstract

10614 Background: Aromatse Inhibitors are a class of drugs that inhibit tumor growth in hormone receptor positive breast cancers in postmenopausal women. They exert their action by inhibiting the enzyme aromatse involved in the last step in conversion of Androgens to estrogens. They are currently used extensively in both advanced and adjuvant treatments. Methods: Clinical Charts of postmenopausal women, with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, receiving the non-steroidal aromatse inhibitor, Anastrazole 1 mg daily at a community oncology practice were evaluated for androgenic effect of the drug. Review included presence of clinical Hirsutism and serum testosterone levels. Results: There were 33 women, receiving Anastrazole, 29 for adjuvant therapy, and 4 for metastatic disease. Age 51–77years (median: 63 years), Duration of Anastrazole therapy 6 months to 42 months (median: 18 months), There was no Clinical evidence of hirsutism noted. Serum testosterone levels varied from 9 ng/ml to 58 ng/ml. (Normal range: 14–76 ng/ml) in 32 women. 1 woman had a serum testosterone level of 86 ng/ml with no clinical hirsutism. The most common side effect of Anastrazole was arthralgias, seen in three women. Conclusions: Anastrozole 1 mg daily does not appear to cause any clinical androgenic effect, or elevation of serum testosterone levels. No significant financial relationships to disclose.