nvolving antiestrogens, such as tamoxifen, has proved useful in delaying breast cancer recurrence, but the majority of patients treated with tamoxifen eventually relapse. Tamoxifen, or Nolvadex, is a drug in pill form, taken orally, that interferes with the activity of estrogen. Tamoxifen has been used to treat both advanced and early stage breast cancer. More recently, it also is being used as adjuvant, or additional, therapy following primary treatment for early stage breast cancer. Some breast cancer cells are "estrogen sensitive." In other words, estrogen binds to these cells and stimulates them to grow and divide. Tamoxifen prevents the binding of estrogen. This stops the cells from growing and in doing so, prevents or delays breast cancer recurrence. Tamoxifen is also known to work through growth factors and the immune system and may provide some benefit even in patients whose tumors are not estrogen sensitive. A recent study found that taking tamoxifen for five years significantly reduces both breast cancer recurrence (42%) and mortality (22%) for all women. Results found that in women whose breast cancer has spread to the local lymph glands benefit substantially from tamoxifen therapy. Women who take tamoxifen may share some of the beneficial effects of taking estrogen replacement therapy, such as a decreased risk of osteoporosis and a decreased risk of heart disease. The most common side effect is hot flashes similar to those experienced during menopause. Tamoxifen may induce menopause in a woman who is close to menopause. Other common side effects include vaginal dryness, irregular periods, and weight gain. In addition, women taking tamoxifen may be at slightly increased risk of developing cataracts. Many experts believe tamoxifen may increase the risk of uterine cancer. There have been some reports of uterine cancer in women taking tamoxifen, however, the incidence is less than 1% in women. A similar drug called Raloxifene...
