Letrozole

Letrozole is a type of hormonal therapy drug known as an aromatase inhibitor. It has proven effective in fighting breast cancer among postmenopausal women with early stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, as well as metastatic estrogen receptor-positive or estrogen receptor-unknown breast cancer.

Aromatase is an enzyme that is responsible for producing estrogen in postmenopausal women. Because certain types of tumor rely on estrogen to continue growing, letrozole (by inhibiting aromatase) may reduce or stop tumor growth.

Taken orally, letrozole is often administered as an adjuvant treatment given after other forms of breast cancer treatment, such as surgery.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your cancer care team can help you decide if letrozole could benefit you as a cancer treatment. Your entire team of specialists at CTCA will empower you to explore a range of conventional and complementary therapies to fight breast cancer on as many fronts as possible.

Chat now with an Oncology Information Specialist to learn more about our integrative approach to breast cancer treatment.

Letrozole, like any medication, has the potential to cause an allergic reaction in some users. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you have a thorough discussion with your doctor regarding any allergies you may have. In the event that letrozole causes an allergic reaction, you should seek urgent medical help.

Some signs of an allergic reaction to letrozole may include:

• Closing of the throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Rash or hives
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face

Aside from the risk of an allergic reaction, letrozole has been shown to cause serious side effects in some users. While most users will not experience serious side effects, those who do should seek immediate medical attention.

Some serious side effects of letrozole may include:

• Changes to moods:
  • Nervousness
  • Mental depression
• Pain in the:
  • Breast
  • Chest
  • Groin
  • Legs, particularly the calves
• Changes in chest-related health:
  • Cough
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Heart attack
  • Shortness of breath (sometimes sudden or unexplained)
• Changes to normal body processes:
  • Dizziness/lightheadedness/fainting
  • Slurred speech
  • Loss of coordination
  • Changes to vision
• Flu-like symptoms
• Bone fractures
• Nausea
• Severe and/or sudden headaches
• Sweating
• Vaginal bleeding
• Weakness or numbness in arms and/or legs
• Swelling in the feet and/or lower legs

Most often, though, patients will not experience serious side effects. There are less serious side effects patients taking letrozole should be aware of. In some cases, these side effects can be a temporary response to the introduction of letrozole into the system. In such cases, side effects will soon pass.

• Pain in the:
  • Back
  • Bones
  • Joints
  • Muscles
  • Stomach
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Spinning feeling (possibly including loss of balance)
• Headache
• Increased urination
• Diarrhea/constipation
• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth and/or metallic taste
• Loss of appetite/vomiting
• Weight loss or gain
• Insomnia or sleepiness
• Weakness and/or fatigue
• Hot flashes
• Hair loss

It is important to note that these are not all of the side effects associated with letrozole treatment. Your care team at our cancer hospital will discuss the potential side effects you may face with letrozole treatment. You'll also discuss additional options for conventional and complementary therapies that could be beneficial elements of your breast cancer treatment plan.

Letrozole is indicated as a breast cancer treatment for postmenopausal women who have hormone receptor-positive breast cancer still in the early stage.

When treating early stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, letrozole is used as an adjuvant treatment, meaning that it is usually administered following a different form of treatment, usually breast cancer surgery or breast cancer radiation.

In addition, letrozole may be an adjuvant treatment option in women who have received tamoxifen therapy for nearly five years.

In some postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive or estrogen receptor-unknown breast cancer that has metastasized (i.e., spread from the breast to other parts of the body), letrozole may be considered a viable option as part of a breast cancer treatment plan.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your team of cancer specialists can help you determine the potential advantages and concerns associated with making letrozole part of your breast cancer treatment plan. To learn more, please contact CTCA at 1-800-615-3055 today.