Course Content
Module 1 — Principles of Hormone Therapy in Oncology
Mechanism and Dosing Overview Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs): block the enzyme aromatase (CYP19A1), which converts androgens to estrogens in adipose and peripheral tissues. Examples: Anastrozole 1 mg orally daily, Letrozole 2.5 mg orally daily, Exemestane 25 mg orally daily. These are the preferred agents in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): such as Tamoxifen 20 mg orally daily — bind the estrogen receptor and act as antagonists in breast tissue but partial agonists in bone and endometrium. Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders (SERDs): such as Fulvestrant 500 mg intramuscularly on days 0, 14, 28, then every 28 days thereafter — promote estrogen receptor degradation. CYP17 Inhibitors: Abiraterone acetate 1000 mg orally daily on an empty stomach plus Prednisone 5 mg orally twice daily — block the CYP17A1 enzyme, suppressing androgen synthesis in adrenal glands and tumors. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonists and Antagonists: Leuprolide 7.5 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks or depot every 3–6 months; Degarelix 240 mg subcutaneously loading dose, then 80 mg every 4 weeks; Relugolix 120 mg orally daily — suppress testosterone or estrogen production by downregulating or directly blocking pituitary gonadotropin release.
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Hormone Therapy for Cancer Patients: Mechanisms, Indications, and Clinical Practice

Relative costs (France 2025 average retail):

Agent / Class Approx monthly cost (€) Comment
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex®) 5 – 10 Generic cheap standard
AIs (Anastrozole/Femara/Aromasin®) 20 – 30 Affordable; monitor bone health
Fulvestrant (Faslodex®) ~600 IM admin cost adds ~150 € per month
Abiraterone (Zytiga®) ~800 Prednisone cheap but monitoring adds cost
Enzalutamide (Xtandi®) ~1 400 High cost offset by OS gain
Denosumab (Prolia®) ~200 / 6 mo Optional but preventive savings long-term

Cost-effectiveness data

  • AIs ~ €2 000 per QALY gained vs tamoxifen.

  • ADT + RT ~ €3 500 per QALY vs RT alone.

  • AR-targeted combos remain acceptable (~ €25 000 per QALY) given survival extension.

(HAS France 2024 assessment)

System tip: always list indication, expected duration, and stopping criteria on prescriptions to ensure reimbursement approval.