Research has shown that a cocktail of hormone treatments can reduce the incidence of breast cancer in women who are currently at the risk of getting the disease. Tamoxifene, is currently being used for the post-surgery management of the disease, while Raloxifene, Lasofoxifene, and Arzoxifene, are used for the management of Osteoporosis.
According to the study, based on the medical records of 83,000 women who are on the program, the drugs have reduced the incidence of breast cancer by 38%. The study involved the monitoring of the subjects under the drug for 5 years, and then stopping its administration and observing them for another 5 years.
The initial result after 5 years, showed a 42% reduction in the incidence of breast cancer, and another 25% reduction was observed after the treatment was stopped. There was no effect on the fatalities related to the disease, or on the incidence of non-oestrogen related breast cancer.
The drugs are selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMS) and work by stimulating Oestrogen-sensitive molecules in the body. Not all stimulate the cells, and Raloxifene blocks the stimulating effect in breast tissue, but stimulates the effects in the bones.
Jack Cuzick, from Queen Mary University of London, led the study, and reported to The Lancet medical journal that the results were very encouraging, and created a way of popularizing the treatment amongst women who at high risk of getting the disease, just as statins and blood pressure-reduction drugs were used to stave off heart attacks, and stroke.
In the UK, Tamoxifene has not yet been given the green-light as a treatment for breast cancer. The regulator, The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), is tasked with scrutinizing the effectiveness of new treatments. It has recommended that the drug, Tamoxifene, be given to women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer, on a provisional basis.
Later in the year, NICE will give it final recommendations on the administration of the drug. The study also showed that the four drugs were able to reduce the clotting of blood significantly. However, Tamoxifene was found to increase the development of womb cancer.
