Rate of Tamoxifen Discontinuation, Rising
Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that inhibits the stimulatory effect that estrogen has on the development of specific types of breast cancer.
An estimated over 40,000 recurrences of breast cancer are prevented each year worldwide, thanks to this wonder drug.
It should be taken note that the optimal duration of tamoxifen therapy is five years (optimal means getting the best results) and less than five years of use is linked to higher rates of recurrence and higher mortality rates.
However, according to new study published in the March 1, 2007 issue of Cancer, a quarter of women treated for breast cancer in the clinical setting stop tamoxifen within one year (a rate twice as high as indicated by previous studies.)
- at 12 months 22 percent of women had ceased using the drug
- at 24 months 28 percent had stopped tamoxifen
- at 3.5 years 35 percent had stopped the treatment without commencing an alternative therapy
The usual reason for discontinuation is adverse effects, including mood swings and hot flashes, which can now be treated with antidepressants.
Find more details from the full report.
Tags: breastc-cancer, tamoxifenRelated Stories
POSTED IN: on anti-cancer ingredients, on breast cancer
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