Letrozole is a medication primarily used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It belongs to a class of drugs known as aromatase inhibitors.
Aromatase inhibitors work by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for converting androgens (male hormones) into estrogens (female hormones) in the body. Since many breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive and rely on estrogen for growth, blocking estrogen production can help slow or stop the growth of these cancers.
Letrozole is typically used as adjuvant therapy (after surgery) or as first-line treatment in advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It may also be used in certain cases as neoadjuvant therapy (before surgery) to shrink tumors and make them easier to remove.
Additionally, letrozole is sometimes used off-label in fertility treatments, particularly in women who have difficulty conceiving due to ovulation problems. In this context, letrozole is used to induce ovulation and regulate menstrual cycles.
It's important to note that letrozole should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Common side effects of letrozole in the treatment of breast cancer may include hot flashes, joint pain, fatigue, and bone thinning (osteoporosis).
