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aromasin (exemestane)- DrLeo ? and others..... What is this ?

 
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sam52
Regular


Joined: 11 Oct 2004
Posts: 21
Location: London, UK

PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 11:36 am    Post subject: aromasin (exemestane)- DrLeo ? and others..... Reply with quote

I have just been switched to aromasin after 2 and a half years on tamoxifen (for early bc). My oncologist said that the trials have looked at this protocol, rather than tamoxifen followed by arimidex, which is what I was expecting to get.
My question is - is there a disadvantage to aromasin, as I know it is the only one of the 3 aromatase inhibitors which is steroidal, and that the effects are supposedly "irreversible". (Which effects???)
Also, could you tell me about potential side-effects.....
Is there anyone else out there who has done a similar switch, or been taking aromasin from the start?
I am feeling a bit nervous about taking this......
Thanks!
Sam
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dx bc Oct 2001
tx - mast, chemo(FEC+taxotere), 25 rads.Now on tamoxifen
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Marion
Experienced user


Joined: 28 Nov 2004
Posts: 60

PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 11:21 pm    Post subject: Re: aromasin (exemestane)- DrLeo ? and others..... Reply with quote

Try this website. It answers many questions and provides the side effects also.

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/Breastcancer/Drugtherapy/Aromasin/WhatisAromasin

Marion
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penelopez
Senior User


Joined: 11 Oct 2004
Posts: 165

PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:40 am    Post subject: Re: aromasin (exemestane)- DrLeo ? and others..... Reply with quote

Sam ~ This is another great site describing potential side effects: www.chemocare.com

Just type "aromasin" into the search and it tells all about it.

Good luck,

Margie
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leo
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Joined: 23 Sep 2004
Posts: 1574

PostPosted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 10:36 pm    Post subject: aromasin Reply with quote

Hello

As far as I know, the answer whether Aromasin is superior to Arimidex is still in the air. They are all third-generation antiestrogen drugs. In a recent paper from MD Anderson they evaluated the data and mention that no one is clearly superior yet.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15378476

regards,
Leo
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Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.
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sam52
Regular


Joined: 11 Oct 2004
Posts: 21
Location: London, UK

PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 6:08 am    Post subject: aromasin.....Dr Leo Reply with quote

Hi DrLeo - thanks for your reply above......
But do you know the answer to my original questions?

What are the "irreversible" effects of aromasin?

What does it signify that aromasin is the only "steroidal" aromatase inhibitor? (I have read that it should more accurately be called an aromatase inactivator)

If you could answer these questions I would be very grateful.

Thanks,

Sam
_________________
dx bc Oct 2001
tx - mast, chemo(FEC+taxotere), 25 rads.Now on tamoxifen
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leo
Owner


Joined: 23 Sep 2004
Posts: 1574

PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:11 pm    Post subject: Re: aromasin (exemestane)- DrLeo ? and others..... Reply with quote

Sam

The irreversible means that it will bind irreversibly to the aromatase enzyme, meaning it can be more potent than other agents. The steroidal part is that it may have a slightly different mechanism of action, due to the fact that cross-resistance with the nonsteroidal AIs is minimal.

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.
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