A 31-year-old patient with breast cancer is concerned about being prescribed a hormonal medication to help block the effects of estrogen on the growth of breast cancer cells. The nurse should provide education about which of the following likely medications?
A) Trastuzumab (Herceptin), a biologic therapy
B) Nolvadex (Tamoxifen), a nonsteroidal antiestrogen
C) Progesterone, a hormone.
D) Arimidex (anastrozole), an aromatase inhibitor.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hormone therapy is used to block the effects of estrogen on the growth of breast cancer cells. Tamoxifen is a nonsteroidal antiestrogen that binds to estrogen receptors and blocks the effects of estrogens on the growth of malignant cells in the breast. Herceptin is used to stop the growth of breast tumors that express the HER2/neu receptor on their cell surface. Arimidex, an aromatase inhibitor, blocks the enzyme that converts androstenedione and testosterone to estrogen in the peripheral tissues. This reduces the circulating estrogen levels in postmenopausal women.

A 31-Year-Old Patient with Breast Cancer Is Concerned About Being