For what are Aromatase Inhibitors prescribed? Are all cancer patients on them?
Answer
Aromatase inhibitors are typically prescribed as an on-going treatment for women who have an estrogen-positive breast cancer diagnosis. Not all women with breast cancer have estrogen-positive breast cancer. This means that with some patients, it does not matter how much estrogen is in their body as it does not affect their breast cancer. However, for other women, estrogen feeds their breast cancer. We want to limit the amount of estrogen in their bodies. Aromatase inhibitors are used to limit free floating estrogen. Typically, those women will have surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Then, they will be put on aromatase inhibitors, which are in pill form. They will take these pills for up to 5 years post diagnosis. Currently, trials are looking at how long of a duration is truly needed; should they stay on them for 5 years? More? Less? The jury is still out.
Andrea Branas, PT, MSE, MPT, CLT
Andrea Branas is a lead physical therapist at Good Shepherd Penn Partners in Philadelphia, PA. Andrea works in the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania Health System providing patient care, education, leadership and training in the area of cancer rehabilitation. Andrea’s areas of clinical expertise include lymphedema, pelvic floor rehabilitation, breast cancer rehabilitation and exercise for cancer related fatigue. In her current role, Andrea uses her expertise to help cancer survivors reach their physical potential by promoting rehabilitation starting at the time of cancer diagnosis. She is currently a collaborator on an NIH Funded Dissemination grant to look at strength training for survivors of breast cancer. Andrea has served as a guest lecturer for women’s health and cancer content at Arcadia and Widener Universities and the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey DPT programs. Andrea received her Masters degree in Physical Therapy from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in 1998 and her Master’s of Science in Engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1991. She is currently working towards her transition DPT at Arcadia University.
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Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for 2 hours of Direct Access CE credit.
