Name of the Procedure:

Exemestane, 25 mg

• Common Names: Exemestane, Aromasin
• Medical Term: Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy

Summary

Exemestane is a medication used for the treatment of certain types of breast cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs known as aromatase inhibitors, which reduce the amount of estrogen the body makes, slowing the growth of estrogen-dependent breast tumors.

Purpose

Exemestane is primarily used to:

• Treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
• Lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence after surgery.
• Help manage advanced breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Indications

• Postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
• People who have transitioned from tamoxifen therapy to further reduce cancer recurrence.
• Patients with advanced breast cancer not responding to other treatments.

Preparation

• No special preparation such as fasting is required.
• Follow your physician's instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications that can interact with exemestane.
• Regular blood tests may be needed to monitor liver function and hormone levels.

Procedure Description

• The patient takes exemestane orally, usually in the form of a 25 mg tablet, once daily after a meal.
• The medication is absorbed through the digestive system and works by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, reducing estrogen production in the body.

Duration

• The duration of treatment varies but typically continues for several years to achieve optimal results.

Setting

• Exemestane is taken at home as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Routine follow-up appointments may be required to monitor the effectiveness and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Personnel

• Prescribed by oncologists or specialized healthcare providers.
• Regular monitoring and follow-up care are usually conducted by your healthcare team, including nurses and oncologists.

Risks and Complications

Common risks include:

• Hot flashes
• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea

Rare complications may include:

• Osteoporosis
• Liver dysfunction
• Severe allergic reactions

Management of complications involves symptomatic treatment and discontinuation of the medication if severe side effects occur.

Benefits

• Reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
• Slows the progression of advanced breast cancer.
• Allows for a continued hormonal-based approach to cancer management.

Recovery

• Minimal recovery needed as it is a medication.
• Patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle which includes a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.
• Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers.

Alternatives

• Other aromatase inhibitors like letrozole or anastrozole.
• Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) such as tamoxifen.
• Chemotherapy, which may be used alone or in combination depending on the patient’s condition.

Patient Experience

• Most patients tolerate exemestane well but may experience some manageable side effects.
• Pain management strategies for joint pain and other discomforts should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
• Continuous support from the healthcare team to address any issues arising during treatment.