Question:

Which of the following is a pure estrogen antagonist that can be used in the treatment of breast cancer?

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Estrogen-receptor (ER) positive breast cancers are treated with drugs that block estrogen action.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Fulvestrant
  • Raloxifene
  • Letrozole
  • Tamoxifen
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Estrogen-receptor (ER) positive breast cancers are treated with drugs that block estrogen action. These drugs differ in whether they are pure antagonists or selective modulators (SERMs) that have mixed agonist/antagonist effects.

Step 1: Fulvestrant is a pure (complete) estrogen-receptor antagonist. It binds the receptor, blocks it, and also causes the receptor to be degraded (a selective estrogen receptor degrader, SERD), with no agonist activity at all.

Why the other choices are wrong: Tamoxifen and Raloxifene are SERMs — they antagonise estrogen in breast tissue but act as partial agonists elsewhere (e.g. on bone/uterus), so they are not pure antagonists. Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor; it lowers estrogen synthesis rather than blocking the receptor.

Answer: Option (1) — Fulvestrant is a pure estrogen antagonist used in breast cancer. (1)
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