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He T, Li X, Li J, Wang Z, Fan Y, Li X, Fu Z, Wu Y, Lv Q, Luo T, Zhong X, Chen J. Lipid Changes During Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients: The Results of a 5-Year Real-World Retrospective Analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 11:670897. [PMID: 35111662 PMCID: PMC8801613 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.670897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to investigate the status of serum lipids during endocrine therapy. Methods We retrospectively analysed lipid profiles during the 5-year treatment of 1487 consecutive postoperative BC patients. Lipid parameters included triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C). Those biomarkers were measured at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years following the initiation of endocrine therapy. Results For premenopausal BC patients, LDL levels rapidly decreased at 1 year in the tamoxifen (TAM) group compared with baseline levels (p<0.05), and this decline remained for the following 4 years. Additionally, LDL levels were significantly lower in the TAM group than in the nonendocrine group at all assessment time points (p<0.05). Similarly, TC levels also decreased in the TAM group compared with baseline levels at all assessment time points (p<0.05), and compared with the levels in the nonendocrine group, TC levels were also lower for the first 4 years. For postmenopausal BC patients, there was no significant difference in the lipid profiles (TG, TC, LDL and HDL) in the letrozole (LET), anastrozole (ANA) or exemestane (EXE) groups compared with the nonendocrine group. For patients who received TAM, compared with the nonendocrine group, TC levels decreased at 1 year, and LDL levels decreased at 1 and 2 years. Conclusions TAM may improve LDL and TC levels in premenopausal BC patients. In postmenopausal BC patients, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) may have no adverse effects on lipid profiles, and TAM may have limited beneficial effects on serum lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao He
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Li
- Center of Biostatistics, Design, Measurement and Evaluation (CBDME), Department of Clinical Research Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiayuan Li
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhu Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Fan
- Department of Breast Surgery, West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiusong Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhoukai Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Clinical Research Center for Breast Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunhao Wu
- West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Lv
- Department of Breast Surgery, Clinical Research Center for Breast Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Department of Head and Neck and Mammary Gland Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaorong Zhong
- Department of Head and Neck and Mammary Gland Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Clinical Research Center for Breast Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Chen,
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Alomar SA, Găman MA, Prabahar K, Arafah OA, Almarshood F, Baradwan S, Aboudi SAS, Abuzaid M, Almubarki AAMA, Alomar O, Al-Badawi IA, Salem H, Abu-Zaid A. The effect of tamoxifen on the lipid profile in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Exp Gerontol 2021; 159:111680. [PMID: 34973347 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The effect of tamoxifen administration on serum lipids in females remains unclear. The studies which have explored this topic have produced conflicting results, probably due to discrepancies in the length of the intervention, differences in baseline variables or other factors. To answer this research question, we decided to conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of tamoxifen on the lipid profile in women. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/Medline and Embase, from the inception of these databases up to June 2021. We used a random effects meta-analysis to generate the combined results. RESULTS The overall findings were generated from 18 eligible trials. As compared to placebo, tamoxifen led to a notable reduction of the total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: -23.03 mg/dL, 95% CI: -25.94 to -20.12, P˂0.001), and the low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: -18.68 mg/dL, 95% CI: -24.31 to -13.04, P˂0.001). However, tamoxifen did not alter triglycerides (TG) concentrations (WMD: +1.06 mg/dL, 95% CI: -11.08 to 13.20, P = 0.864) significantly. A pronounced reduction of the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDLC) was noted in the RCTs with a duration of ≤52 weeks (WMD: -2.06 mg/dL) and when tamoxifen was administered in participants with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (WMD: -1.42 mg/dL). Notable reductions in TC (WMD: -23.57 mg/dL) and LDL-C (WMD: -19.21 mg/dL) was detected when the dose of tamoxifen was ≥20 mg/day. Moreover, a significant reduction of TC (WMD: -20.23 mg/dL) and LDL-C (WMD: -24.13 mg/dL) was observed in the RCTs with a duration of ≤52 weeks. CONCLUSION Tamoxifen can alter the lipid profile in females, particularly by decreasing TC, LDL-C and HDLC. Tamoxifen can further reduce TC and LDL-C if the dose of administration is ≥20 mg/day, the treatment duration is ≤52 weeks and if it prescribed in subjects with dyslipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mihnea-Alexandru Găman
- Faculty of Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Center of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Kousalya Prabahar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Saeed Baradwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saud Abdullah Saud Aboudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Abuzaid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A M A Almubarki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama Alomar
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ismail A Al-Badawi
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hany Salem
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Abu-Zaid
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.
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3
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Jayakumar T, Yang CH, Geraldine P, Yen TL, Sheu JR. The pharmacodynamics of antiplatelet compounds in thrombosis treatment. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2016; 12:615-32. [DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2016.1176141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thanasekaran Jayakumar
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hao Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pitchairaj Geraldine
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - Ting-Lin Yen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Joen-Rong Sheu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Banerjee S, Pancholi S, A'hern R, Ghazoui Z, Smith IE, Dowsett M, Martin LA. The effects of neoadjuvant anastrozole and tamoxifen on circulating vascular endothelial growth factor and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 in breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:2656-63. [PMID: 18451229 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-1352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key angiogenic factor mediating neovascularization. Soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sVEGFR-1) is an intrinsic negative counterpart of VEGF signaling and the ratio of sVEGFR-1 to VEGF has been shown to be a prognostic factor. Estrogen-bound estrogen receptor enhances VEGF expression, providing a common link between these signaling pathways that may be targeted by endocrine therapy. We investigated the effects of anastrozole and tamoxifen over time on serum VEGF and sVEGFR-1. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The Immediate Preoperative Anastrozole, Tamoxifen, or Combined with Tamoxifen (IMPACT) trial compared the preoperative use of anastrozole with tamoxifen in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive primary operable breast cancer over 12 weeks. Circulating VEGF and sVEGFR-1 were measured by ELISA in 106 patients treated with anastrozole or tamoxifen alone at baseline and after 2 and 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS The increase in serum VEGF from baseline to 12 weeks was significantly different between anastrozole and tamoxifen (anastrozole versus tamoxifen, 6% versus 38%; P = 0.047). There was a significant increase in sVEGFR-1 levels after 12 weeks of anastrozole (P = 0.037). The sVEGFR-1/VEGF ratio significantly decreased in the tamoxifen arm (P = 0.013) and the change in sVEGFR-1/VEGF ratio from baseline to 12 weeks was significantly different between anastrozole and tamoxifen (anastrozole versus tamoxifen, 24% increase versus 34% decrease; P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS Treatment with anastrozole and tamoxifen resulted in differential effects on serum angiogenic markers. This may be related to the relative effectiveness of the treatments. These data provide further support for cross talk between estrogen receptor and VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Banerjee
- Breakthrough Breast Cancer Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Col NF. The impact of risk status, preexisting morbidity, and polypharmacy on treatment decisions concerning menopausal symptoms. Am J Med 2005; 118 Suppl 12B:155-62. [PMID: 16414342 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2005.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Because each menopausal treatment has a unique benefit-risk profile, deciding whether menopausal hormone therapy (HT) or another menopausal treatment is appropriate for an individual requires assessing the risks and benefits of each treatment as well as determining the patient's risk factors, comorbidities, and current medications. Simple summary metrics for assessing net treatment effects on multiple outcomes, such as the Women's Health Initiative's (WHI) global index, are not necessarily generalizable beyond the study population in which they were derived. However, trial evidence can be translated to individual decisions by transforming relative risks into absolute risks. The validity of generalizing relative risks found in clinical trials to groups with differing baseline risks depends on the homogeneity of relative risks across various risk strata. Subgroup analyses from the major clinical studies of HT found its relative risks for cardiovascular disease, hip fracture, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and ovarian cancer to be relatively uniform across strata defined by age, race/ethnicity, antecedent risk status, or prior disease. The number of significant subgroup findings in these studies tended to match the number expected by chance alone. However, data are limited for many subgroups, especially those with comorbidities. Strata defined by the concurrent use of drugs that can interact with HT are not expected to be homogeneous, yet data on drug interactions are limited. More data are needed about the effects of menopausal treatments in diverse populations, and more attention is needed to translate this evidence into clinical practice and to develop tools to support informed decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nananda F Col
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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6
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Morales L, Neven P, Paridaens R. Choosing between an aromatase inhibitor and tamoxifen in the adjuvant setting. Curr Opin Oncol 2005; 17:559-65. [PMID: 16224233 DOI: 10.1097/01.cco.0000180434.31991.bf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Approximately three-quarters of all invasive breast tumors are estrogen and/or progesterone receptor-positive. The selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen has been the preferred endocrine therapy for almost four decades. One of the most significant advances in endocrine therapy for women after menopause with early breast cancer is the introduction of third-generation aromatase inhibitors as an alternative or as an additional treatment to tamoxifen therapy. In making a choice between the use of an aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen in the adjuvant setting, a careful analysis of both the efficacy data and toxicity profiles of each drug is essential. RECENT FINDINGS In the adjuvant setting, three major randomized controlled trials have reported on the use of three different aromatase inhibitors for women after menopause with breast cancer. In all of these trials, the third-generation aromatase inhibitors demonstrated significantly improved disease-free survival, either compared with tamoxifen as an initial adjuvant hormonal therapy, or when aromatase inhibitors were given sequentially after tamoxifen therapy. The toxicity data suggest that bone loss, increased fracture rates, and other musculoskeletal disorders are the most serious side effects associated with the use of aromatase inhibitors. Toxicities commonly associated with tamoxifen therapy such as thromboembolic events and endometrial abnormalities are reduced in patients receiving aromatase inhibitors, however. SUMMARY The present data demonstrate the improved efficacy achieved with third-generation aromatase inhibitors compared with tamoxifen and support the use of these agents in the adjuvant setting. The optimal treatment strategy for whether these agents should be given in place of tamoxifen or as part of a sequential treatment has yet to be defined, however. Moreover, to be able to optimize treatment with aromatase inhibitors, it is imperative to develop interventions to prevent or alleviate treatment related side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilani Morales
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
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7
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Veronesi U, Bonanni B. Chemoprevention: From research to clinical oncology. Eur J Cancer 2005; 41:1833-41. [PMID: 16061373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2005.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2005] [Revised: 05/20/2005] [Accepted: 05/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chemoprevention is by now an emerging area of clinical oncology addressed to healthy individuals at higher risk for cancer, subjects with precancerous conditions, and patients who are at risk for a second primary cancer. The important results of large trials with various agents and the more accurate methods of risk assessment have already had implications in clinical practice. Recently, a number of compounds have shown to be clinically effective at various organ levels, often covering all the three settings of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. There is proof today that at least 3 of the 4 'big killers' in oncology--breast, colon and prostate cancer--and oral cancer are to a certain extent preventable by chemopreventive drugs. The missing piece so far is lung cancer. The expanding molecular drug development is providing the tools for a more effective and safer molecular-targeted prevention. Combination chemoprevention and the use of agents with multiple effects are other particularly promising chemoprevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Veronesi
- European Institute of Oncology, Via G. Ripamonti, 435, 20141 Milan, Italy.
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8
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Vehmanen L, Saarto T, Blomqvist C, Taskinen MR, Elomaa I. Tamoxifen treatment reverses the adverse effects of chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure on serum lipids. Br J Cancer 2004; 91:476-81. [PMID: 15266329 PMCID: PMC2409844 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6601979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In all, 146 premenopausal women with early stage breast cancer were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. In addition, 5-year tamoxifen treatment was started after chemotherapy to those 112 patients with hormone-receptor-positive tumours while those with hormone-receptor-negative tumours received no further therapy. The serum lipid levels were followed in both groups. The levels of serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol increased significantly after chemotherapy only in patients who developed ovarian dysfunction. Total cholesterol increased +9.5% and LDL cholesterol +16.6% in patients who developed amenorrhoea (P<0.00001 and 0.00001, respectively). The cholesterol levels did not change in patients who preserved regular menstruation after chemotherapy. After 6 months of tamoxifen therapy, the total cholesterol decreased −9.7% and the LDL cholesterol −16.7% from levels after the chemotherapy, while the cholesterol concentrations remained at increased levels in the control group (P=0.001 and P<0.0001, respectively). The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels did not change significantly in either tamoxifen or control group. The effects of tamoxifen treatment on serum lipids after chemotherapy have not been studied before. Our current study suggests that adjuvant tamoxifen therapy reverses the adverse effects of chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure on total and LDL cholesterol and even lowers their serum levels below the baseline.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Vehmanen
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, PO BOX 180, HUCH, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Saarto
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, PO BOX 180, HUCH, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - C Blomqvist
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, PO BOX 180, HUCH, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M-R Taskinen
- Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - I Elomaa
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, PO BOX 180, HUCH, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, PO BOX 180, HUCH, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland. E-mail:
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9
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Serrano D, Perego E, Costa A, Decensi A. Progress in chemoprevention of breast cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2004; 49:109-17. [PMID: 15012972 DOI: 10.1016/s1040-8428(03)00157-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2003] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary prevention trials have shown that tamoxifen lowers breast cancer incidence by 30-40%. Because of the endometrial risk of tamoxifen and the pro-thrombotic effects of tamoxifen and raloxifene, different strategies are being pursued to improve the risk:benefit ratio of breast cancer chemoprevention. Thus, raloxifene is being compared with tamoxifen in a phase III trial, while the minimal active dose of tamoxifen is being assessed in phase I-II trials. Also, the combination of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and tamoxifen may reduce the risks while retaining the benefits of either agent. Anastrozole holds promise as a preventive agent based on preliminary results on contralateral breast cancer. The identification of women at increased risk for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer due to hormonal and reproductive factors may maximize the therapeutic index of hormonal agents. Finally, new targets that interfere with ER-negative breast carcinogenesis are being sought as one-third of breast cancers will not be preventable by hormonal interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Serrano
- Division of Chemoprevention, European Institute of Oncology, via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
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10
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Decensi A, Galli A, Veronesi U. HRT opposed to low-dose tamoxifen (HOT study): rationale and design. Recent Results Cancer Res 2003; 163:104-11; discussion 264-6. [PMID: 12903847 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-55647-0_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The rationale for the HOT study is mainly based on the findings of the Italian Tamoxifen Prevention Study, where 5,408 healthy hysterectomized women aged 35-70 years were randomized to 20 mg/day of tamoxifen or placebo for 5 years. After 81.2 months median follow-up, 79 breast cancers occurred (34 on tamoxifen versus 45 on placebo, p=0.215). In the subgroup of 1,580 women who used estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) at some point during the study, 23 breast cancers were observed: 17 on placebo and 6 on tamoxifen (hazard ratio=0.35, 95% CI, 0.14-0.89). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (surrogate endpoint biomarkers) studies showed that a lower dose of tamoxifen (such as 5 mg/day) does not affect the drug's activity on several biomarkers of both cardiovascular and breast cancer risk. We therefore propose a multicenter placebo-controlled phase III trial in postmenopausal healthy women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to assess whether the combination of HRT and low-dose tamoxifen retains the benefits while reducing the risks of either.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Decensi
- European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
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11
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Serrano D, Bonanni B, Cazzaniga M, Galli A, Gonzaga AG, Decensi A. Pharmacological prevention of breast cancer: quo vadis? Breast 2003; 12:379-86. [PMID: 14659109 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-9776(03)00140-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although tamoxifen reduces breast cancer incidence by 30-40% in at-risk subjects, its adverse events may be a limiting factor. Thus, different strategies are being pursued to improve the risk:benefit ratio of breast cancer chemoprevention intervention. Firstly, raloxifene is being compared with tamoxifen in a phase-III trial, whereas the minimal active dose of tamoxifen is being assessed in phase I-II trials. The combination of HRT and tamoxifen may also reduce the risks while retaining the benefits of either agent. Anastrozole holds promise as a preventive agent based on preliminary data on contralateral breast cancer. Another important area is the appropriate identification of women at increased risk for ER-positive breast cancer due to reproductive factors, which may maximize the therapeutic index of hormonal agents. Finally, new targets that interfere with the onset of ER-negative breast cancer are being sought since one-third of breast cancers will not be modulated by hormonal interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Serrano
- Division of Chemoprevention, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
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12
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Abstract
Tamoxifen has been used in the management of breast cancer for over 30 years. Since its introduction for the treatment of advanced breast cancer, its indications have increased to include the treatment of early breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ, and more recently for breast cancer chemoprevention. Tamoxifen has a good tolerability profile and moreover, unlike many other endocrine therapies, it is efficacious in both pre- and postmenopausal women. It is the combination of efficacy and tolerability that allows tamoxifen to maintain its position as the hormonal treatment of choice for most patients with oestrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. Ongoing studies will provide further information about the optimal duration of tamoxifen therapy and how it compares with the newer aromatase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Clemons
- Division of Medical Oncology, Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4N 3M5.
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13
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Marsden J. Hormone Replacement Therapy, the Menopause and Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer 2002. [DOI: 10.1201/b14039-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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14
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Guerrieri-Gonzaga A, Galli A, Rotmensz N, Decensi A. The Italian breast cancer prevention trial with tamoxifen: findings and new perspectives. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2001; 949:113-22. [PMID: 11795343 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb04009.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The Italian Tamoxifen Prevention Study includes 5408 healthy hysterectomized women aged 35-70 years who have been randomized to 20 mg/day of tamoxifen or placebo for 5 years. After 46 months median follow-up, an increased risk of venous vascular events (38 women on tamoxifen vs. 18 women on placebo, P = 0.0053), mainly consisting of superficial phlebitis, has been observed and 41 breast cancers have occurred (19 on tamoxifen vs. 22 on placebo, P = 0.64). However, subgroup analyses indicated a borderline significant reduction of breast cancer among women continuously on estrogen replacement therapy (ERT, mostly transdermal) and receiving tamoxifen, with 8 cases of breast cancer among 390 ERT users on placebo versus 1 case among 362 ERT users on tamoxifen (RR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.02-1.02). Withdrawal rate (mainly due to menopausal symptoms) differed according to ERT use, with compliance being 78% and 75% at 3 and 5 years, respectively, for women who never took ERT, and 92% and 88% at 3 and 5 years, respectively, for women not on ERT at baseline, but who took ERT at some time during the trial. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (surrogate end point biomarkers) studies showed that a lower dose of tamoxifen (such as 5 mg/day) does not affect the drug's activity on several biomarkers of both cardiovascular and breast cancer risk. We are therefore planning a multicenter placebo-controlled phase III trial in postmenopausal healthy women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to test whether the combination of HRT and low-dose tamoxifen retains the benefits while reducing the risks of either agent maintaining a high compliance rate.
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15
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Abstract
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are drugs that bind to the estrogen receptor (ER); in some tissues they act like estrogen (agonists), while in other tissues they oppose the action of estrogen (antagonists). The SERM tamoxifen acts as an estrogen antagonist in the breast in that it prevents and treats breast cancer, but it acts as an estrogen agonist in the endometrium, where it can induce cancer. Estrogen, and to a lesser extent SERMs, are effective in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Contrary to the prevalent hypothesis that estrogen provides benefit to women with regard to secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD), randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that estrogen is associated with an increased risk of CHD in this population of women. Conflicting results have been reported on the effect of estrogens on cognitive function. The latest and largest randomized clinical trials have demonstrated a beneficial role in short-term memory in nondemented women, in contrast to the absence of such benefit in improving symptoms in women with Alzheimer's disease. Although estrogens have been used successfully to treat some menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, the SERMs tamoxifen and raloxifene actually induce or increase hot flashes. Data on the beneficial and adverse effects of estrogen and SERMs are reported along with an elaboration of the constellation of properties that would characterize an ideal SERM working through the ER.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Anthony
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Cushman M, Costantino JP, Tracy RP, Song K, Buckley L, Roberts JD, Krag DN. Tamoxifen and cardiac risk factors in healthy women: Suggestion of an anti-inflammatory effect. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001; 21:255-61. [PMID: 11156862 DOI: 10.1161/01.atv.21.2.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
-Tamoxifen reduces the incidence of breast cancer in women at risk for that disease. Because heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and because tamoxifen is also associated with venous thrombosis, an improved understanding of the association of tamoxifen with cardiovascular disease risk factors is required. In 111 healthy women at a single center, who were participating in a randomized double-blind breast cancer prevention trial, the 6-month effects of oral tamoxifen (20 mg/d) compared with placebo on factors related to inflammation, hemostasis, and lipids were studied. Tamoxifen was associated with reductions of 26% in median C-reactive protein, 22% in median fibrinogen, and 9% in cholesterol (all P:<0.01 compared with placebo). There were no differences in treatment effects on factor VII coagulant activity, fragment 1-2, and triglycerides. In secondary analyses, the effect of tamoxifen on C-reactive protein was larger in postmenopausal women and in women with higher waist-to-hip ratios. The effect on fibrinogen was larger in women with higher baseline cholesterol. Tamoxifen demonstrated effects on inflammatory markers that were consistent with reduced cardiovascular risk. These findings are in contrast to recent reports of increased C-reactive protein associated with postmenopausal estrogen. The potential for beneficial cardiovascular effects of tamoxifen in healthy women is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cushman
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, University of Vermont, Burlington 05446, USA
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Bonanni B, Guerrieri-Gonzaga A, Rotmensz N, Torrisi R, Pigatto F, Cazzaniga M, Mora S, Diani S, Robertson C, Decensi A. Hormonal Therapy and Chemoprevention. Breast J 2000; 6:317-323. [PMID: 11348390 DOI: 10.1046/j.1524-4741.2000.20064.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can increase the quality as well as the length of life, but a prolonged use can also increase the risk of breast cancer. The combination of HRT and a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) such as tamoxifen may retain the benefits while reducing the risks of either agent. A post hoc analysis of the Italian Tamoxifen Prevention Study showed a borderline significant reduction of breast cancer among women who were on HRT continuously and tamoxifen as compared with continuous HRT users who received placebo. Recent studies suggest that the standard dose of tamoxifen may be reduced to one-quarter (i.e., 10 mg every other day) without loss of its beneficial biological effects. Since the endometrial effect of tamoxifen seems to be both dose and time dependent, a dose reduction could substantially reduce the risk of endometrial cancer while retaining its preventive efficacy. On the other hand, the addition of HRT containing progestins could also minimize the risk of endometrial cancer associated with tamoxifen. Moreover, estrogen should reduce the incidence of vasomotor and urogenital symptoms, which are a major reason for tamoxifen withdrawal in prevention studies. Notably, in the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast Project (NSABP) P-1 trial, women ages 50 or younger had no increased incidence of adverse events, including endometrial cancer and venous thromboembolic events. One possible explanation for the lack of toxicity in premenopause is the presence of adequate circulating estrogen levels which prevent tamoxifen to act as an estrogen agonist at these target tissues. Moreover, data from the current Italian tamoxifen prevention trial indicate that the compliance was substantially higher for de novo and current HRT users as compared to women who never received HRT during the study. The combination of HRT and tamoxifen at low doses could thus reduce the risks and side effects while retaining the benefits of either agent.
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Decensi A, Bonanni B, Rotmensz N, Robertson C, Guerrieri-Gonzaga A, Mora S, Diani S, Cazzaniga M, Costa A. Update on tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer. The Italian Tamoxifen Prevention Study. Eur J Cancer 2000; 36 Suppl 4:S50-1. [PMID: 11056317 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(00)00224-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Decensi
- Chemoprevention Unit, European Institute of Oncology, via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy.
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Decensi A, Costa A. Recent advances in cancer chemoprevention, with emphasis on breast and colorectal cancer. Eur J Cancer 2000; 36:694-709. [PMID: 10762741 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(00)00040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Chemoprevention is a recently introduced and rapidly growing area of oncology that is identifying agents with a potentially preventive role in cancer. Several clinical trials have recently shown the feasibility of this approach in reducing the risk of major human cancers. In the USA, a large trial that demonstrated a reduction of approximately 50% in the risk of developing breast cancer led to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of tamoxifen as a preventive agent in women at increased risk. Although the results could not be reproduced in two smaller European trials, further investigations into this agent are clearly warranted. Raloxifene, another selective oestrogen receptor modulator which has reduced the risk of breast cancer in a trial in women with osteoporosis, is being compared with tamoxifen in a large primary prevention trial in at-risk women. Retinoids are a group of compounds that have proved especially effective in reducing the occurrence of second primary tumours in subjects with skin, head and neck or liver cancer. Fenretinide, a synthetic retinoic acid derivative, has recently been shown to decrease the occurrence of a second breast malignancy in premenopausal women. Results with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have proved consistently encouraging in epidemiological studies in lowering the incidence of colorectal cancer. Clinical trials with selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors potentially devoid of gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity are currently underway in at-risk subjects. Calcium and selenium have also received much attention as chemopreventive agents. Originally investigated against skin cancer, selenium showed efficacy in reducing prostate, lung and colon cancer incidence. Similarly, vitamin E was effective in reducing prostate cancer incidence and mortality in a lung cancer prevention trial in heavy smokers. The challenges of conducting well-designed and unequivocal chemoprevention trials are considerable, but advances in techniques of identification of at-risk subjects and establishing surrogate endpoint biomarkers should contribute greatly to future studies. Current knowledge suggests that a pharmacological approach to preventing cancer, using natural or synthetic agents, could become an important way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Decensi
- Chemoprevention Unit, European Institute of Oncology, via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy.
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Abstract
There is considerable evidence that the risk of breast cancer is related to ovarian function. However, the effect of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on breast cancer risk continues to be debated in the absence of data from randomised controlled trials. Observational studies suggest that HRT probably promotes the growth of pre-existing breast cancers rather than initiating malignant transformation of breast epithelial cells but without exerting an obviously detrimental effect on disease-specific mortality. The controversy surrounding HRT and breast cancer has become additionally more complex as a result of the dilemma faced by clinicians advising women rendered oestrogen-deficient by breast cancer therapy. Whilst HRT is currently contra-indicated due to theoretical concerns that it will promote disease recurrence, its increasing, ad hoc prescription to symptomatic breast cancer patients has not been associated with an increase in disease recurrence. Large-scale randomised trials of HRT in healthy women and breast cancer survivors are now ongoing but it will be some years before useful clinical information becomes available. Until then, the limitations and biases implicit as a result of the design of observational studies must be borne in mind when interpreting such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Marsden
- Division of Surgical Oncology, The Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
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Decensi A, Robertson C, Ballardini B, Paggi D, Guerrieri-Gonzaga A, Bonanni B, Manetti L, Johansson H, Barreca A, Bettega D, Costa A. Effect of tamoxifen on lipoprotein(a) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in healthy women. Eur J Cancer 1999; 35:596-600. [PMID: 10492633 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(98)00428-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies in breast cancer patients have shown that tamoxifen decreases circulating levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), an independent risk factor for premature coronary heart disease, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), a promising surrogate biomarker for breast cancer. Since a common hormone regulatory pathway has been suggested for both biomarkers, we measured Lp(a) levels for 6 months in 68 healthy women participating in a chemoprevention trial of tamoxifen and correlated its changes with IGF-I. After 1 month, mean Lp(a) levels decreased by 23% with tamoxifen and increased by 6% with placebo (P = 0.033). No further change was observed after 2 and 6 months. Women with abnormal values at baseline (i.e. > 30 mg/dl) showed the highest reduction. The mean levels of IGF-I decreased by 23.5% with tamoxifen and remained stable with placebo, but the changes induced by tamoxifen in Lp(a) and IGF-I levels were uncorrelated. Our results support the observation that tamoxifen may be a suitable preventive option for women with multiple disease risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Decensi
- FIRC Chemoprevention Unit, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.
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Women's Health LiteratureWatch. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 1998; 7:1299-310. [PMID: 9929864 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.1998.7.1299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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