Is Fulvestrant a chemotherapy drug or a targeted drug?

Fulvestrant (Fulvestrant) is a targeted drug mainly used to treat patients with hormone receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, especially those whose disease has progressed after hormone therapy. Unlike traditional chemotherapy drugs, fulvestrant intervenes in the growth and spread of cancer cells through a specific mechanism, reducing damage to normal cells, thereby reducing many adverse reactions during the treatment process. Below we will discuss in detail how fulvestrant works, its use in treatment, and how it differs from traditional chemotherapy drugs.

Fulvestrant belongs to a class of drugs called estrogen receptor antagonists (ERantagonists). In many breast cancers, overactivation of estrogen receptors promotes the proliferation and growth of cancer cells, so inhibiting the estrogen signaling pathway has become one of the important strategies for treating this type of breast cancer. Fulvestrant works in breast cancer patients through a unique mechanism, namely antagonism of estrogen receptors. It weakens the stimulating effect of estrogen on cancer cells by binding to estrogen receptors and reducing receptor expression levels. In addition, fulvestrant also blocks receptor signaling by promoting receptor aggregation to form non-functional complexes, thus inhibiting the proliferation and growth of cancer cells. This makes fulvestrant a highly selective treatment that primarily affects hormone-dependent cancer cells and has a smaller effect on normal cells.

Fulvestrant has many advantages over traditional chemotherapy drugs. First of all, chemotherapy drugs are usually not selective enough and can damage normal cells, leading to many adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, etc.而氟维司群主要作用于癌细胞的特定信号通路，因此其不良反应相对较轻。 Secondly, the therapeutic effect of fulvestrant is more durable because it can continuously inhibit the activity of estrogen receptors, thus preventing the re-growth of cancer cells. Additionally, because of its targeted nature, patients may tolerate treatment more easily, improving treatment compliance.

Fulvestrant is usually given as an injection and can be used as a first-line treatment or as a treatment for advanced breast cancer. Fulvestrant is often used as an important treatment option in patients whose disease progresses despite hormonal therapy. In addition, fulvestrant can also be used in combination with other drugs, such asCDK4/6inhibitors, to enhance the therapeutic effect. This comprehensive treatment strategy can more effectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells and improve patient prognosis.

In summary, fulvestrant is a targeted drug that inhibits the proliferation and growth of cancer cells by antagonizing estrogen receptors. Compared with traditional chemotherapy drugs, it has higher selectivity and lasting therapeutic effect, reduces adverse reactions, and improves patients' quality of life. As medical research continues to advance, we can expect fulvestrant to become increasingly important in the treatment of breast cancer. However, patients should follow their doctor's advice when using any medication and have regular checkups and follow-up visits.

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.