Is Exemestane a chemotherapy drug?

Exemestane drug belongs to the aromatase inhibitors class. Treats breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It reduces estrogen levels in the body. Reduction of this hormone helps in slowing or stopping cancer growth. Although Exemestane 25mg treats breast cancer, it is not considered chemotherapy medicine.

ABOUT ESTROGEN

Estrogen hormone has a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of women. A female sex hormone responsible for regulating reproductive physiology.

These are the following

●       Menstrual cycles

●       Pregnancy

●       Lactation

Location -The hormone produced in the ovaries.

The function of the estrogen

The estrogen hormone's main functions are promoting the growth and development of female reproductive organs.

●       Female changes

During the puberty phase, ovaries begin functioning. This leads to various physical changes like breast development, pubic hair and underarm hair growth, and hips widening.

Importance of this process

These changes portray the onset of the fertility period and continue till the late 20s to 30s.In the late 30s, the estrogen levels decline. This leads to symptoms such as hot flashes and fatigue.

●       Bone health

This hormone is vital to maintain bone health.

Role in bone health - Estrogen promotes bone health by increasing calcium absorption from the intestines and reducing its resorption.

Deficiency of estrogen - Estrogen deficiency leads to bone weakness & increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

That is the reason why many physicians advise estrogen therapy to help reduce bone fracture risk and other bone loss complications. Estrogen has anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces various chronic diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular disease.

ABOUT HORMONE RECEPTOR-POSITIVE BREAST CANCER

Overview of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Hormone receptor-positive cancer commonly develops in response to naturally produced hormones. Examples are estrogen and progesterone.

Affects both men and women equally. Develops more slowly as compared to other cancers. Even then, it can be effectively treated if detected early.

Diagnosis

Biopsy:

●       Tumor sample removed

●       Lab analysis - This is done to determine hormone receptors in cancer cells.

Hormone therapy treats hormone receptor-positive cancer by blocking hormone effects that increase the cancer's cellular growth

Treatment

Depending on 

●       Location

●       Size

●       Stage of tumor.

. Treatment options are

●       Surgery

●       Radiation therapy

●       Chemotherapy

●       Hormone therapy

●       Targeted therapy

Benefits of hormone therapy -It reduces the risk of cancer recurring again. Can be used in combination with other treatments to eliminate cancer.

Importance of Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Noticing early vital signs and the treatment process is key for hormone receptor breast cancer patients. A more clear understanding of this cancer will be of useful help to medical professionals in planning treatment.

Where Exemestane comes in

Chemotherapeutic drugs fight cancer cells and eventually kill them. Exemestane 25 mg tablets are different from other chemotherapeutic drugs. Instead of directly killing cancer cells. , it will reduce estrogen production. This will stop providing growth to cancer cells. Eventually, cancer cells perish. Aromatase inhibitors treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in women who have undergone menopause. This cancer depends on estrogen growth. Therefore, reducing estrogen in the body will stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Action of Exemestane

Exemestane is not a typical chemotherapy drug because it does not target rapidly dividing cancer cells. Instead, the drug works by blocking enzymes needed to produce estrogen. As a result, the drug is not known to cause some of the side effects common to chemotherapy drugs, such as hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and joint pain.

When Exemestane is given

Exemestane is taken after a woman undergoes surgery to remove a breast cancer tumor. It is for women who have undergone menopause and with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Hormone receptor breast cancer is one of the positive breast cancers. It improves the quality of life and reduces the chances of cancer recurring.

Price within a comfortable range

The price of an Exemestane 25mg tablet depends on dosage, country, and pharmacy. There, however, discounts through in-house pharmacies. They offer cheaper Exemestane 25 mg prices for patients who use them for obtaining medications. Patients should be checking with multiple pharmacies before obtaining Exemestane 25 mg at fair prices.

Exemestane 25 mg drug treats breast cancer but is not a chemotherapy drug. This drug mainly slows the growth and multiplication of cancer cells. Exemestane does cause side effects, but not as serious as chemotherapy drugs. It is given for post-menopausal women and with hormone receptor-positive cases of breast cancer.