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Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 02/05/2007
  • Updated: 04/21/2011

Anastrozole

listen 1  (an-AS-troh-zole)

This page contains brief information about anastrozole and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s): Arimidex
FDA Approved: Yes

Use in Cancer

Anastrozole is approved to be used alone or with other treatments to treat:

Anastrozole is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

More About Anastrozole

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 2 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Anastrozole 3 - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Targeted Cancer Therapies 4 - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

Research Results

Clinical Trial Results: Zoledronic Acid Improves Early Breast Cancer Treatment 5 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Anastrozole, Tamoxifen, and Bone Loss on the ATAC (Arimidex, Tamoxifen Alone or in Combination) Trial 6 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Anastrozole After Tamoxifen Better for Early Breast Cancer than Tamoxifen Alone 7 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Anastrozole May Be Better than Tamoxifen at Shrinking Large Breast Tumors Before Surgery 8 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Anastrozole Prevents Relapse in Early Breast Cancer - Results of the ATAC Trial 9 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Anastrozole 10 - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


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Glossary Terms

breast cancer (brest KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
postmenopausal (post-MEH-nuh-PAW-zul)
Having to do with the time after menopause. Menopause (“change of life”) is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop permanently.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Media/CDR/Media/705552.mp3
2http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=42540
3http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a696018.html
4http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/targeted
5http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/zoledronic-acid0608
6http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/ATAC-bone0308
7http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/anastrozole0805
8http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/neoadjuvant-anastrozole0805
9http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/ATAC1204
10http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=42540&idtype=1
11http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
12http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
13http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
14http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access