Toremifene

Brand name: Fareston®

IUPAC: 2-[4-[(Z)-4-chloro-1,2-di(phenyl)but-1-enyl]phenoxy]-N,N-dimethylethanamine

FDA approval: Yes

Usage:

Toremifene is used in treating metastaticThe term for a cancer that has spread beyond its point of origin. Metastatic disease is responsible for the majority of cancer deaths. breast cancers in postmenopausal women whose cancers have either not been classified as either estrogen receptorA protein located within cells that binds estrogen. The protein:estrogen complex then binds to DNA to increase the transcription of certain genes, and therefore is a type of transcription factor. The estrogen receptor is the target of the anticancer drug tamoxifen. By binding to the estrogen receptor tamoxifen blocks the growth promoting effects of the hormone. May be abbreviated as ER. positive or negative, or in those that have been determined to be estrogen receptor positive. Toremifene is taken in tablet form usually just once a day.1

Mechanism:

Toremifene citrate (Fareston®) is similar to Tamoxifen, in that molecules bind to 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. receptors in breast cancers. By blocking estrogen molecules from binding sites, toremifene prevents estrogen's growth stimulating effects in the tumor. Drugs that act in this way are referred to anti-estrogens because they block the effects of estrogen in certain tissues.1

The diagram below shows the 3D molecular structure of Toremifene.

Side effects:

Common side effects include hot flashes and sweating, nausea and vomiting, vaginal discharge, dizziness, swelling. Less commonly, some patients may experience vaginal bleeding and in the event of this should contact their physician. There also is concern that in some tissues and organs of the body, other than the breast, where toremifene may act as an 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. rather than an anti-estrogen, cell proliferationRefers to cell division. The proliferation rate is an indicator of how quickly a tumor is growing. The proliferation rate may be represented as a percentage, showing what fraction of the cells are actively involved in the division process. may be induced that could result in tumor formation. It is still unclear if this drug may cause the proliferation of endometrialRefers to the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. The endometrium is a common site of cancer. (inner uterus) cells.1

1.a. b. c. Chu, E., & DeVita, V. T. (2015). Physicians' cancer chemotherapy drug manual 2015. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.