Anastrozole

Definition

A nonsteroidal inhibitor of estrogen synthesis that resembles paclitaxel in chemical structure. As a third-generation aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole selectively binds to and reversibly inhibits aromatase, a cytochrome P-450 enzyme complex found in many tissues including those of the premenopausal ovary, liver, and breast; aromatase catalyzes the aromatization of androstenedione and testosterone into estrone and estradiol, the final step in estrogen biosynthesis. In estrogen-dependent breast cancers, ananstrozole may inhibit tumor growth. (NCI04)

Also known as 2,2'-[5-(1H-1,2,4-Triazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-phenylene]di(2-methylpropionitrile), Alpha,alpha,alpha', alpha'-tetramethyl-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-benzenediacetonitrile, Anastrazole, ANASTROZOLE, Arimidex, ICI D1033, ICI-D1033, ZD-1033 — per NCIT

Also identified as

• ATC L02BG per NCIT
• NCIT NCIT:C1607 per NCIT

Indications