Exemestane
Exemestane is a type of hormone therapy called an aromatase inhibitor. It permanently blocks the activity of an enzyme called aromatase, which the body uses to make estrogen in the ovaries and other tissues. Blocking aromatase lowers the level of estrogen in the body. This can slow or stop the growth of cancers that need estrogen to grow.
FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed.
Use in Cancer
Exemestane is approved to treat:
- breast cancer that is advanced
- breast cancer that is early stage and estrogen receptor positive
Exemestane is used in postmenopausal women who have already been treated with tamoxifen citrate.
Exemestane is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.
More About Exemestane
Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.
MedlinePlus Information on Exemestane - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:
- warnings about this drug,
- what this drug is used for and how it is used,
- what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
- what you should know about this drug before using it,
- other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
- possible side effects.
Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.
Research Results and Related Resources
Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer
Clinical Trials Accepting Patients
Find Clinical Trials for Exemestane - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.