Drugs

Question 1

Aromatase inhibitor (AI) / ah-RO-mah-tase

Answer 1

Agent that inhibits estrogen production; used for postmenopausal treatment of breast cancers that respond to estrogen; examples are exemestane (Aromasin), anastrozole (Arimidex), and letrozole (Femara)

Question 2

Bisphosphonate / bis-FOS-fo-nate

Answer 2

Agent used to prevent and treat osteoporosis; increases bone mass by decreasing bone turnover; examples are alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel)

Question 3

HER2 inhibitor

Answer 3

Drug used to treat breast cancers that show excess receptors (HER2) for human epidermal growth factor; example is trastuzumab (Herceptin)

Question 4

Paclitaxel / pak-lih-TAKS-el

Answer 4

Antineoplastic agent derived from yew trees used mainly in treatment of breast and ovarian cancer; Taxol

Question 5

Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)

Answer 5

Drug that acts on estrogen receptors; examples are tamoxifen (Nolvadex) and raloxifene (Evista), which is also used to prevent bone loss after menopause