Evidence supporting the use of: 4-Hydroxyandrostenedione
For the health condition: Breast Lumps
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
4-Hydroxyandrostenedione (also known as formestane) is an aromatase inhibitor that has been used in the treatment of hormone-sensitive breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. Its primary mechanism of action is the irreversible inhibition of the aromatase enzyme, which is responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens. Since many breast lumps, especially those associated with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, are driven by estrogen, reducing estrogen production can help shrink these lumps or slow their growth.
Clinical trials and studies in the 1990s and early 2000s demonstrated that formestane is effective in reducing tumor size and delaying progression in cases of advanced breast cancer. Compared to placebo or non-aromatase inhibitor interventions, formestane led to measurable improvements in disease control. However, with the development of more effective oral aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole and letrozole), the use of formestane has declined.
Formestane was not used for benign breast lumps (such as fibroadenomas or cysts), and there is no evidence supporting its use for non-cancerous breast lumps. Its usage was specifically for estrogen-dependent breast cancer, where it was considered a second-line therapy after other hormonal treatments like tamoxifen.
In summary, the use of 4-hydroxyandrostenedione in the treatment of breast lumps is scientifically validated, but only in the context of hormone-sensitive breast cancer, not benign breast conditions. The evidence supporting this use is robust, but it is now largely superseded by newer agents.
Other health conditions supported by 4-Hydroxyandrostenedione
Breast LumpsCancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)