Final answer:
Hormonal therapy is often used to treat postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Options include selective estrogen receptor modulators, aromatase inhibitors, and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs.
Step-by-step explanation:
In postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer, hormonal therapy is often used as part of the treatment. This type of cancer relies on estrogen for growth, so the goal of hormonal therapy is to block or decrease the effects of estrogen in the body. There are several types of hormonal therapy for ER-positive breast cancer, including:
- Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) - These drugs block the estrogen receptors in breast cells, preventing estrogen from binding and stimulating the growth of cancer cells.
- Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) - These drugs block the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for converting androgens into estrogen. By reducing estrogen levels in the body, AIs help slow down the growth of ER-positive breast cancer.
- Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs - These drugs work by suppressing the production of estrogen in the ovaries in premenopausal women.
Each individual's treatment plan may vary depending on the specific characteristics of the breast cancer, overall health, and other factors. It is important for patients to discuss the available options with their healthcare team to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.