HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Breast Cancer: Comparing Hormone-Blocking Treatments
Topic Overview
When Reference breast cancer Opens New Window is described as estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+), it means that estrogen helps these breast cancer cells grow. Reference Hormone therapy Opens New Window is used in ER+ breast cancer to reduce the body's production of estrogen or to block its effects. This is done to stop the growth of cancer cells.
Hormone-blocking treatments, such as Reference tamoxifen or an Reference aromatase inhibitor, act on cells all over the body but generally cause fewer side effects than Reference chemotherapy Opens New Window. If you are deciding what type of medicine to use, weigh the side effects and risks along with the benefits for your type of cancer.
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Drug names |
tamoxifen (Nolvadex) | anastrozole (Arimidex), exemestane (Aromasin), letrozole (Femara) |
|---|---|---|
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Class of drug |
Selective estrogen receptive modulator (SERM) | Aromatase inhibitor |
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What it does |
Blocks harmful estrogen in the breast | Limits how much estrogen the body makes |
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Treats breast cancer? |
Yes, before and after menopause | Yes, after menopause (instead of or after tamoxifen) |
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Side effects and risks |
Side effects can include Reference hot flashes Opens New Window and vaginal dryness. Increased risks of: |
Side effects can include Reference hot flashes Opens New Window, vaginal dryness, muscle/body ache, mild nausea, diarrhea/constipation, weakness, and fatigue. Increased risk of Reference osteoporosis Opens New Window after 5 years of treatment for women who started out with weak bones (osteopenia) |
When taking tamoxifen, you will need a pelvic exam every year. If you have any vaginal bleeding, other than normal menstrual bleeding, tell your doctor as soon as possible. This can be a sign of uterine precancer or cancer.
Neither chemotherapy nor hormone therapy is likely to cure breast cancer that has spread to another area of the body (metastasized). But each of these treatments can reduce symptoms and may prolong life.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference June 28, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology |
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