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Letrozole
Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Letrozole (molecular formula: C17H11N5) is an active substance from the group of non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors. By blocking the aromatases, the remaining oestrogen production in and after menopause decreases significantly. In addition, letrozole directly inhibits the aromatase in the tumour cells, thus limiting the growth and spread of the tumour cells.
Letrozole has no gestagenic, androgenic or estrogenic effect. The effect and strength of the preparation is similar to that of anastrozole.
IndicationThis section has been translated automatically.
Advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal patients
Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
Hot flashes and flushesFatigue
Headache
Nausea
Depression
Sleep disturbances
worsening of cholesterol levels
Osteoporosis
Rare skin changes: vasculitides, non-specific dermatitides, erythema nodosum, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (see below aromatase inhibitors)
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
The active ingredient was placed on the Prohibited List by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 2008. Possession of more than 75 mg is classified as "not small quantity" under the German Medicines Act, in accordance with the Doping Drug Quantity Ordinance.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Mamounas EP et al (2019) Use of letrozole after aromatase inhibitor-based therapy in postmenopausal breast cancer (NRG Oncology/NSABP B-42): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol 20: 88-99.
- Rugo HS et al (2019) Palbociclib plus letrozole as first-line therapy in estrogen receptor positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer with extended follow-up. Breast Cancer Res Treat 174:719-729.