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Aromasin for Breast Cancer
The prescription drug Aromasin® (exemestane) is used for the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Specifically, this medication is given to women who are switching over from tamoxifen (Nolvadex®, Soltamox®) and have:
- Early breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive and have had surgery or radiation
- Advanced breast cancer that has not responded to tamoxifen.
Aromasin works by blocking a particular enzyme that makes estrogen in the body. Since most types of breast cancer are sensitive to estrogen, blocking it can help keep the cancer from growing.
(To learn more about this breast cancer drug, including possible off-label uses, click Aromasin Uses. This article also addresses common symptoms of breast cancer and likely treatment options.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD