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tamoxifen |
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tamoxifen (təmŏk`sĭfĕn'), synthetic hormone used in the treatment of breast cancer breast cancer, cancer that originates in the breast. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women (following lung cancer ). Even allowing for improvements in detection (i.e. ..... Click the link for more information. . Introduced in 1978, tamoxifen is used to prevent recurrences of cancer in women who have already undergone surgery to remove their tumors. In 1998, a large study of healthy women at high risk for breast cancer showed that tamoxifen can also prevent first occurrence of the disease: women who took the drug had a 45% lower incidence of cancer that those who received a placebo. However, adverse effects (including uterine cancer) and other concerns await further study. tamoxifenSynthetic hormone, marketed as Nolvadex, that prevents the binding of estrogen to estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells. Initially used to prevent recurrences of breast cancer after successful treatment, it was later found to prevent first occurrences in women at high risk. The most serious side effect is an increased risk of thrombosis, which may require patients to take an anticoagulant as well. Studies on its effectiveness against breast and other cancers continue. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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Manufactured by Delaware-based AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, both Arimidex and Nolvadex - the brand-name version of tamoxifen - have been used to help reduce recurrence in women diagnosed with primary ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) breast cancer - characterized by the presence of cancer cells in the breast ducts, but not in nearby breast tissue or lymph nodes. A leading maker of cardiovascular and anti-cancer treatments such as Casodex and Zoladex for prostate cancer and Nolvadex for breast cancer, the $8. For the one patient who experienced gynecomastia, nolvadex (an anti-estrogen) was added to his treatment, with good results. |
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