What is an accurate description of aromatase inhibitors?

Aromatase inhibitors are a class of drugs that work by preventing the synthesis of estrogen in the body. They achieve this by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for converting androgens (male hormones) into estrogen. By reducing the overall levels of estrogen, aromatase inhibitors can be effective in treating hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers, where estrogen can stimulate tumor growth.

The rationale behind this treatment option is based on the understanding that some breast cancers rely on estrogen to grow and proliferate. By decreasing estrogen levels, aromatase inhibitors help limit the growth of these cancers.

In contrast, the other options describe different mechanisms that do not apply to aromatase inhibitors. For instance, drugs that enhance estrogen production or promote breast cell growth would not serve the therapeutic goal of inhibiting cancer growth in hormone-responsive cases. Additionally, blocking estrogen receptors is characteristic of another class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), rather than aromatase inhibitors. Therefore, the defining characteristic of aromatase inhibitors is their role in preventing estrogen synthesis, making the chosen answer accurate.