What are the benefits and risks of taking arimidex as adjuvant treatment for ER+ breast cancer tumors?

What are the benefits and risks of taking arimidex as adjuvant treatment for ER+ breast cancer tumors?

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
thank you for your question. This is an ovarian cancer forum, however it is common for women who experience ovarian cancer to have a higher risk of breast cancer. Additionally there is a genetic link between breast and ovarian cancer in two gene mutations that we currently know about: BRCA 1 and BRCA 2.

arimidex is an antiestrogen therapy through suppression of the enzyme aromatase.

adjuvant therapy means giving a therapy for the purpose of reducing the risk of a cancer coming back. It is different than giving therapy in the presence to known cancer.  There is extensive information on the benefits of adjuvant therapy in the prevention of breast cancer recurrence and prevention of the development of a new breast cancer in the opposite breast. Prevention strategies have included chemotherapy for 3 to 6 months , antiestrogens such tamoxifen or arimidex for 5 years, and the surgical removal of ovaries in premenopausal women with ER positive cancers.
here is a nice summary of arimidex from this website:http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/ari1028.htm

Arimidex combats the kind of breast cancer that thrives on estrogen. One of the hormones produced by the adrenal gland is converted to a form of estrogen by an enzyme called aromatase. Arimidex suppresses this enzyme and thereby reduces the level of estrogen circulating in the body

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Arimidex.

More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, accidental injury, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, bone pain, breast pain, cataracts, chest pain, constipation, cough, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, fractures, headache, heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol, hot flashes, infection, insomnia, joint disease or pain, loss of appetite, nausea, osteoporosis, pain, pelvic pain and stiffness, "pins and needles", rash, shortness of breath, sore throat, stomach and intestinal upset, sweating, swelling of arms and legs, urinary tract infection, vaginal discharge or inflammation, vomiting, weakness, weight gain