In premenopausal women with fibroids, drugs against breast cancer with anastrozole (Arimidex) reduces fibroid size and improves bothersome symptoms, according to results of a prospective study conducted at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. br Fibroid tumors or uterine leiomyomas are benign tumors in the uterus that can cause pain and bleeding and may eventually require surgical removal. br Dr. Fotios K. Varelas and colleagues treated 35 women with fibroid tumors with a very low dose of anastrozole 1 milligram per day for 3 cycles of 28 days each. According br ultrasound and imaging studies before treatment, the average fibroid volume was 163 ml, and total uterine volume was 278 ml. At the end of treatment, the research team reported a 55.7 percent reduction in the average volume of fibroids, and a 29.9 percent reduction in total uterine volume. br The beneficial effect was restricted to women over age 40, doctors found, and the degree of improvement was more pronounced in women with large fibroids. br Varela and his colleagues found that treatment was generally well tolerated with no serious adverse effects. One woman experienced vaginal dryness, and one had pain during intercourse. br On the basis of other studies, the researchers believe the longterm treatment with anastrozole will be safe, but emphasized that larger, placebocontrolled clinical trials will be needed to determine the risk posed by prolonged use of anastrozole premenopausal women. br Anastrozole is usually prescribed for the elderly (menopause), women with breast cancer that is sensitive to estrogen. Anastrozole, and similar drugs inhibit the enzyme aromatase, which is needed to produce estrogen. The current study suggests that anastrozole, given in such a low dose, acts primarily by blocking estrogens produced by fibroids. br br
