Anti-oestrogen drugs

Question 1

Name a Selective oEstrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM)

Answer 1

Tamoxifen

Question 2

Mechanism of action of a Selective oEstrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM)

Answer 2

oestrogen receptor antagonist and partial agonist.

Question 3

When is tamoxifen used?

Answer 3

Oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer

Question 4

Adverse effects of tamoxifen

Answer 4

menstrual disturbance:
- vaginal bleeding
- amenorrhoea

hot flushes
VTE
endometrial cancer

Question 5

What class of drug reduces peripheral oestrogen synthesis

Answer 5

Aromatase inhibitors

Question 6

give examples of aromatase inhibitors

Answer 6

Anastrozole and letrozole

Question 7

Why are aromatase inhibitors used in post menopausal women with ER+ve breast cancer?

Answer 7

aromatisation accounts for the majority of oestrogen production in postmenopausal women

Question 8

Adverse effects of aromatase inhibitors

Answer 8

osteoporosis
hot flushes
arthralgia, myalgia
insomnia