Walsh & Hoyt: Hormones

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) and toremifene citrate (Fareston) are nonsteroidal estrogen antagonists that bind competitively to cytoplasmic estrogen receptors, arresting the cell in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. These drugs are adjuvants for the treatment of breast cancer and the treatment of choice in estrogen-dependent metastatic cancer. Tamoxifen is structurally similar to drugs with well-described ocular toxicity, such as chloroquine, chlorpromazine, thioridazine, and amiodarone. Aminoglutethimide, anastrozole (Arimidex), and letrozole (Femara) are nonsteroidal inhibitors of aromatase, and block the synthesis of steroid hormones. They are used to treat cancer of the breast and adrenal cortex. Nilutamide (Nilandrone) is a nonsteroidal anti-androgen used in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Danazol (Danocrine), goserelin (Zoladex), and leuprolide (Leupron) are gonadotropin inhibitors used in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer. Corticosteroids. Octreotide (Sandostatin).