Non-polymeric Microspheres for the Therapeutic Use of Estrogens: An Innovative Technology

Non-polymeric microspheres are stable-shaped particles constituted by crystalline organic compounds. This technology allows controlled release of parental products that has its prime value on estrogen therapy. The structure is a non-polymeric crystalline microsphere that uses a low solubility fatty acid, cholesterol as a carrier. Cholesterol is a waxy lipid, a substance that is insoluble in water and has been recognized as safe as excipient by FDA for the manufacturing of drugs. Cholesterol is a lipid present in the cell membrane and subcellular organelles of tissues and serves as the building block for all steroid hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen, and testosterone; therefore, this fatty acid provides better biocompatibility than polymers. The use of cholesterol as a low solubility carrier was used to develop a first of its kind, parental HT product for the management of menopausal symptoms carrying estrogen microspheres in an aqueous suspension, which would allow an extended estrogen release maintaining plasmatic therapeutic concentrations. Estradiol doses would be up to 30 times lower than that provided by oral and transdermal routes fulfilling current recommendations regarding the use of a low dose and the nonoral route. Both intramuscular monthly administered formulations of E/P non-polymeric microspheres had favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles, suggesting this route as an interesting, novel, and suitable way of treating menopause-related symptoms

Breast cancer quality of life evaluation in Mexican Women at La Raza Hospital, Mexico City: A preliminary approach

Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of death among Mexican women over 40 years of age. This study aimed to identify and examine the effects of cancer stage and surgical treatment on the quality of life (QOL) of Mexican women with early stage breast cancer (ESBC) treated with either modified radical mastectomy (MRM) or breast conservative surgery (BCS), plus adjuvant chemotherapy. The QLQ-C30 and QLQ BR-23 questionnaires were used to assess QOL. Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical factors of 102 women with early BC were also evaluated; analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed and a statistical significance of p < 0.05 was assumed. Most women were of reproductive age. Meaningful differences in QOL as a result of surgical treatment, in women receiving BCS compared with those receiving MRM, were limited to body image. We conclude that MRM and BCS are essentially equivalent choices in terms of QOL, with the exception of the impact on body image. In general, women who received BCS had a better perceived QOL