VOROZOLE

Vorozole is a triazole derivative which binds to the cytochrome P450 m oiety of aromatase, thus causing reversible inhibition of the enzyme. Plasma estradiol levels are reduced by about 90% in postmenopausal wom en treated with vorozole. Phase II clinical studies found vorozole to be an effective agent for the treatment of postmenopausal women with a dvanced breast cancer, achieving objective responses in up to 35% of p atients. In 2 large phase III studies, vorozole 2.5 mg/day demonstrate d favourable clinical efficacy compared with aminoglutethimide and meg estrol. Vorozole improved patients quality of life to a greater extent thatn aminoglutethimide. Clinical trials to date indicate that the to lerability of vorozole is better than that of aminoglutethimide. Voroz ole also appears to be at least as well as tolerated megestrol (althou gh inappropriate bodyweight gain is more common in me4gestrol recipien ts). The most common adverse events with vorozole are hot flushes and nausea which are generally mild in severity.