The therapeutic significance of aromatase inhibitors in endometrial carcinoma

Objective. To review recent studies about the application of aromatase inhibitors in endometrial carcinoma and the benefits and challenges of aromatase inhibitors in this regard. Methods. Relevant studies and manuscripts were searched for in Pubmed using the following terms, either alone or in combination: aromatase, aromatase inhibitors, letrozole, anastrozole, endometrial cancer, breast cancer, endocrine, therapy, and side effects. Results. Endometrial carcinoma is one of the most pervasive gynecological malignancies. Type I endometrial carcinoma is estrogen-dependent. Recent studies have demonstrated that aromatase inhibitors, which interfere with estrogen biosynthesis by inhibiting the activity of aromatase, can be used to treat endometrial carcinoma and its precancerous lesions to some extent In early-stage endometrial carcinoma or atypical hyperplasia, a precancerous lesion of endometrial carcinoma, the effects of aromatase inhibitors were promising. However, in advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma, the application of aromatase inhibitors cannot solve the problem evidently. In addition, these inhibitors have limitations, like side effects and drug resistance. The need for a new generation of inhibitors with higher specificity and fewer side effects should be studied further. Conclusions. Aromatase inhibitors show promise in the therapy of endometrial carcinoma, especially the early stage. Further studies should be conducted to develop next-generation aromatase inhibitors with higher specificity and fewer side effects. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.