Aromatase Inhibitor Clinical Trials 2023

What Are Aromatase Inhibitor Clinical Trials?

Aromatase is the enzyme that converts androgens, such as testosterone, into estrogen. By targeting this aromatase’s activity, scientists have found a way to intervene with abnormalities in estrogen biosynthesis pathways. Aromatase inhibitors are a drug class that targets these pathways. Examples of agents in this class are anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane.

Though there are several approved and off-label indications of aromatase inhibitors, this class is most frequently indicated as adjuvant therapy in breast cancer. By reducing the production of estrogens, aromatase inhibitors prevent estrogen from binding to their receptors in breast tumors. Off-label indications of aromatase inhibitors in men include management of prostate cancer, hypogonadism, and gynecomastia, to name a few.

Though the use of aromatase inhibitors is well established, clinical trials investigate new indications for these agents. As researchers discover more about sex hormones, there may be new ways of using aromatase inhibitors. Furthermore, clinical trials are valuable in finding the optimal and more effective way to implement aromatase inhibitor therapy.

Why Are Aromatase Inhibitors Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

The prevalence of breast cancer significantly impacts women’s health. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately forty-three thousand women are estimated to die from breast cancer in 2023. The role of aromatase inhibitors in the first-line treatment of breast cancer means that further research to optimize breast cancer therapy is extremely valuable.

Long-term chronic therapy using aromatase inhibitors is possible in women with risk factors, such as genetic predisposition to breast cancer. Furthermore, current clinical trials for aromatase inhibitors as a preventative therapy for breast cancer hold significant potential. However, this prophylactic therapy necessitates further research about the long-term adverse effects of these agents.

What Are The Types of Indications For Aromatase Inhibitors?

Currently, the most common FDA-approved use of aromatase inhibitors is as a breast cancer agent. Clinical trials showcase the efficacy of aromatase inhibitors as adjuvant agents in breast cancer patients receiving surgery or chemotherapy. However, its use is limited to tumors containing estrogen receptors since its mechanism exclusively targets estrogen production.

Aromatase inhibitors are also indicated for the treatment of male gynecomastia. In this condition, men overdevelop breast tissue due to an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels. Male gynecomastia is more common amongst pubescent boys; however, the condition can develop at any age. Aromatase inhibitors stop the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, thereby restoring the imbalance.

Off-label indications for aromatase inhibitors include the management of endometriosis and hypogonadism, ovulation induction during infertility treatment, and the prevention of enhanced estrogen levels during gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials For Aromatase Inhibitors?

In recent years, researchers have made several important discoveries about aromatase inhibitors, such as the following:

2021: The risk of a musculoskeletal syndrome in aromatase inhibitor therapy, and the management thereof: researchers have found that estrogen deprivation has detrimental effects on muscular and nervous system function. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, as well as agents such as steroids, diuretics, and bisphosphates, all show promise in managing musculoskeletal syndrome.

Who Are Some Of The Key Researchers Conducting Aromatase Inhibitor Clinical Trial Research?

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)

The BCRF is the world’s top private investor in breast cancer research. Thanks to their team of more than two hundred seasoned scientists, the foundation is considered the leading breast cancer organization in the United States.