We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Breast Cancer Prevention by Antiestrogens.
- Authors
OSBORNE, MICHAEL P.
- Abstract
ABSTRACT A new era has been entered with the first demonstration that an antiestrogen can prevent breast cancer. in a landmark study tamoxifen was shown to reduce the incidence of breast cancer by ∼50%. The reduction was observed in pre- and postmenopausal women at increased risk of breast cancer. Invasive cancers were reduced, the reduction being in the estrogen receptor-positive cancers. No preventive effect was observed for estrogen receptor-negative tumors. In situ cancers were also significantly reduced. A collateral benefit was a significant reduction in fractures due to osteoporosis. Adverse effects included a very small increase in the incidence of endometrial cancer, cataracts, and stroke. The benefits appear to outweigh the risks for those at high risk. Preliminary studies of a new selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM 2), raloxifene, developed for the prevention of osteoporosis, have shown that the breast cancer rate was reduced by more than 50% without any concomitant increase in endometrial cancer. the search for a SERM 3, and beyond, may lead to the development of drugs that have the beneficial effects of estrogen while preventing breast cancer and osteoporosis.
- Publication
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1999, Vol 889, Issue 1, p146
- ISSN
0077-8923
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1749-6632.1999.tb08732.x