Final answer:
Aromatase inhibitors are commonly used as the first-line treatment for hormone receptor-positive postmenopausal breast cancer after surgical treatment. They are preferred due to their effectiveness in lowering estrogen levels in the body. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be considered based on individual factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first-line treatment for postmenopausal breast cancer (postmenopausal breast CA) after surgical treatment varies based on several factors, including the presence or absence of hormone receptor expression in the tumor. Hormonal therapies such as aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen play a critical role in managing hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Aromatase inhibitors are commonly used as the first-line treatment for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer due to their mechanism of lowering estrogen levels in the body by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens to estrogens.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be used, usually based on the cancer's stage, patient's overall health, and other prognostic factors. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, which unfortunately can also affect normal healthy cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles to destroy cancer cells but can also damage surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment goal is to eradicate any remaining cancer cells, reduce recurrence risk, and extend survival.