Is tamoxifen effective in treating hormone receptor negative breast cancer?

Diseases:  
Done
Emailz
Answer Summary
1
Expert Answers

JKJones (Pharmacist (Verified) ) - 01 / 08 / 2011

Scientific studies have shown that tamoxifen reduces the occurrence of estrogen-receptor-positive cancers, but there is no difference in the outcomes for estrogen-receptor-negative cancers.

Tamoxifen is not effective against hormone-receptor-negative breast cancer because hormone-receptor-negative breast cancer (as the name states) does not have hormone receptors.

However, there are other studies to take into consideration regarding tamoxifen and hormone-receptor-negative breast cancer, but none are conclusive.

- A study at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center that reduced the diagnosis time of estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancers in patients taking tamoxifen.
- A study at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center indicated that tamoxifen may result in increased chance of developing hormone-receptor-negative cancer.

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/new_research/20081007.jsp
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/tamoxifen
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090826/Tamoxifen-drug-poses-increased-risk-of-developing-ER-negative-breast-cancer.aspx
1
Shared Experiences

Jan (Survivor (10 - 20 years)) - 02 / 02 / 2011

I agree with JKJones. There's no conclusive evidence that tamoxifen works for estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancer.
Join Now to ask a follow-up question or share your experience!
We'll help guide and support you through treatments.
Similar Questions
Would you describe the androgen receptor and what it has to do with prostate cancer?
Is brachytherapy (APBI) as safe and effective as other radiation therapy options for breast cancer treatment? How do we know?
What are the latest developments for treating recurrent Her2+ breast cancer?
What is the significance of affinitor being approved for advanced stage hormone positive breast cancer?
For stage 2 triple negative breast cancer, if there is radiation after chemotherapy, how many treatments are typically given?
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Flag Content
Please explain why you are flagging this content. Thank you.
Cancel
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Ok
Give a 'Thank you' to
Cancel
Close
Talk About Health
Add Answer

Close
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Close
Subscribe to our free updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts!
Your Email:
Q&A Workshop Announcements
(Featured experts, answers, tips, & latest news.)
Q&A Workshop Summaries
(Answer summaries from our expert Q&A workshops.)
Best of TalkAboutHealth (weekly)
(The week's best answers, news & support.)
TalkAboutHealth Benefits
(Custom health, wellness & medical promotions from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities, & new programs.)

Partners become a partner

© Copyright 2013 - Talk About Health - Privacy Policy | Terms of Service