What is the main effect of aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer treatment?

Aromatase inhibitors are specifically designed to reduce estrogen production in the body. They achieve this by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, which is responsible for the conversion of androgens into estrogens, particularly in postmenopausal women. By lowering estrogen levels, these inhibitors help to slow the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancers, which often thrive on this hormone.

The primary goal of using aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer treatment is to minimize estrogen levels to effectively manage and treat hormone receptor-positive breast tumors. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients whose cancers are stimulated by estrogen, thereby impacting the overall tumor growth and progression.

Thus, the main effect is a reduction in estrogen production, which contributes significantly to the therapeutic strategy in managing specific breast cancer types.