What are the effects and effects of Fulvestrant?

Fulvestrant (Fulvestrant) is a drug used in the treatment of breast cancer. It is an endocrine therapy drug for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Its efficacy and effects are mainly based on its interaction with estrogen receptors, thereby affecting the proliferation and growth of tumor cells. The efficacy and role of fulvestrant will be introduced in detail below.

Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer is one of the most common subtypes of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 70-80% of all breast cancers. This type of breast cancer is characterized by tumor cells expressing estrogen receptors (ER), which make cancer cells very sensitive to the estrogen produced in the body, thereby promoting tumor growth and spread.

Fulvestrant, as an estrogen receptor antagonist, exerts its effects through the following mechanisms:

1.Inhibits estrogen receptor signaling: Fulvestrant binds to the estrogen receptor, but does not activate the receptor like estrogen does. Instead, it blocks receptor signaling. This means that even in the presence of estrogen, fulvestrant blocks its receptors from causing cancer cells to grow and divide.

2.Reduce estrogen receptor expression: Fulvestrant can also cause the degradation of estrogen receptors, thereby reducing the dependence of cancer cells on estrogen. This effect can slow down the growth of tumor cells.

The efficacy of fulvestrant

1.Inhibit tumor growth: One of the main functions of fulvestrant is to inhibit the growth of tumor cells. By interfering with the activity of estrogen receptors, fulvestrant can reduce the division and proliferation of tumor cells, thereby slowing tumor growth.

2.Reduce the risk of recurrence: Because fulvestrant can reduce the expression and activity of estrogen receptors, it is widely used to reduce the risk of recurrence in patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. This is of great significance for both postoperative treatment and the control of advanced breast cancer.

3.Reversal of resistance: Some patients may develop resistance to other endocrine therapy drugs, which is a challenge in breast cancer treatment. Fulvestrant plays a positive role in this regard, reversing resistance to other drugs and restoring sensitivity to treatment.

4.Potential of combination therapy: Fulvestrant is also often used in combination with other treatments, such asCDK4/6inhibitors. This combination therapy can affect the proliferation and growth of tumor cells at different levels, thereby improving the therapeutic effect.

Side Effects and Safety: Although fulvestrant has shown positive effects in treatment, it may also be associated with some side effects, including pain at the injection site, nausea, fatigue, etc. In addition, some serious side effects, such as bone fractures and thrombosis, may occur. Therefore, when using fulvestrant, doctors need to comprehensively consider the patient's condition and individual differences, and make a judgment weighing the pros and cons.

Fulvestrant, as an endocrine therapy drug for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, plays an important role in the treatment of breast cancer by antagonizing the activity of estrogen receptors and inhibiting the proliferation and growth of tumor cells. It reduces tumor growth rate and risk of recurrence through multiple mechanisms and has the potential to reverse drug resistance in some cases. However, the side effects and safety of fulvestrant need to be paid close attention to when using it to ensure that patients get the best treatment effect.

Fulvestrant injection has been launched in China and has been included in medical insurance. Patients can buy it domestically. The price of domestically imported original drugs is around 5,000 to 6,000 yuan, while domestic drugs are slightly cheaper. For specific prices, please consult the local hospital pharmacy or the medical insurance bureau. There is only Fulvestrant's original drug abroad. The cheaper original drugs are mainly the Turkish original drug and the Indian version of the original drug. The price is around 1,000~2,000 yuan, and the ingredients and efficacy of the original drugs at home and abroad are the same.