Long-lasting Breast Cancer Fighter

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Twenty years after the initial study, researchers found tamoxifen reduced the risk of ER-positive breast cancer by 39 percent. This reduction occurred mostly at the end of the follow-up period.

In both studies, tamoxifen only reduced the risk for ER-positive cancers. Further research is necessary to identify ER-positive breast cancer risk so doctors can prescribe the drugs to candidates who will benefit the most.

"There's no predicting whether someone is at-risk for an ER-positive or an ER-negative tumor," she said. "A drug like tamoxifen would be recommended for all women who are considered at high risk for breast cancer."

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: Ivanhoe interview with Nikita Shah, M.D.; Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2007;99:272-282