
New results are in for a trial examining the effectiveness of the anti-estrogenA steroid sex hormone. Estrogen's structure is closely related to cholesterol. Produced by the ovaries, estrogen has effects on the reproductive, cardiovascular and skeletal systems. Estrogen is also a growth factor for some types of cells, including breast cells. Inhibitors of estrogen function such as tamoxifen and arimidex are used to block the growth effects of estrogen. See also, estrogen receptor. drugs tamoxifen and anastrozole for the prevention of breast cancer recurrence. After 10 years, the results demonstrate that anastrozole (Armidex®) causes fewer side-effects and is better at preventing cancer recurrence than tamoxifen (Nolvadex®, Istubal®, Valodex®). The trial only examined outcomes in post-menopausal women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.
Tamoxifen works by blocking the binding of estrogn to its receptor and armidex blocks the enzymeA protein that speeds up the process of chemical reactions in the body without becoming altered in the process. Almost every biological process is driven by the activity of enzymes. Without enzyme catalysts, the complex reactions that build and break down cell parts would not happen at a rate compatible with life. Enzyme names usually describe the reaction that is being catalyzed and all of them end in -ase. that creates estrogen from other molecules.