What is Letocor Tablet?
Letocor Tablet is a brand-name medication with the active ingredient letrozole, a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. Its main use is in treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Letocor reduces estrogen production in the body, which helps slow the growth of breast cancer cells that depend on this hormone.
The Primary Use: Postmenopausal Breast Cancer
Letocor Tablet is a key hormonal therapy for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is used for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer in several scenarios:
- Adjuvant Treatment: Following initial treatments for early-stage breast cancer.
- Extended Adjuvant Treatment: After 5 years of tamoxifen to lower the risk of recurrence.
- Treatment for Advanced Breast Cancer: Used as a primary treatment or after other therapies for advanced breast cancer.
By lowering estrogen, Letocor helps control the growth and spread of hormone-dependent cancer cells.
How Letocor Works: The Aromatase Inhibitor Mechanism
Letrozole is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. In postmenopausal women, aromatase is an enzyme that produces estrogen in peripheral tissues. Letrozole blocks this enzyme, significantly reducing estrogen levels in the body and inhibiting the growth of hormone-dependent breast cancer cells. Letrozole prevents estrogen synthesis.
Other Potential and Investigational Uses
While primarily for breast cancer, letrozole has other potential uses:
- Ovulation Induction: It may be used for fertility treatment in premenopausal women with anovulatory infertility by stimulating FSH production.
- Gynecomastia: Letrozole has been used off-label to treat enlarged breast tissue in men.
Important Side Effects and Precautions
Letocor can cause side effects, many related to lower estrogen levels.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects may include hot flashes, joint, bone, or muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, weight changes, increased cholesterol levels, and hair loss.
Serious Side Effects
- Osteoporosis and Fractures: Reduced estrogen can decrease bone density, increasing fracture risk. Bone density monitoring may be needed.
- Cardiovascular Events: There's a potential increased risk of heart problems and stroke. Monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure is important.
- Blood Clotting: An increased risk of blood clots is possible.
Contraindications and Interactions
Letocor should not be used by premenopausal women, pregnant individuals, or breastfeeding mothers. Caution is advised in patients with severe liver disease. Avoid taking with estrogen-containing products like HRT or oral contraceptives, as they can reduce effectiveness. Concurrent use with tamoxifen may decrease effectiveness.
Letocor vs. Tamoxifen: A Comparison
Both Letocor and tamoxifen are hormonal therapies for ER+ breast cancer, but they work differently. Letocor is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor that blocks estrogen production, primarily for postmenopausal women, and can decrease bone density and potentially increase cardiovascular risk. Tamoxifen is a SERM that blocks estrogen receptors, is used in pre- and postmenopausal women, and tends to protect bone density. Both can cause hot flashes and vaginal bleeding.
Conclusion
Letocor Tablet, containing letrozole, is a vital hormonal therapy primarily for postmenopausal women with breast cancer. It works by reducing estrogen to inhibit cancer growth. Managing potential side effects like bone density loss and cardiovascular risks requires careful medical supervision. Always consult a healthcare provider about concerns and other medications to ensure safe use. More details are available from sources like MedlinePlus Drug Information.
