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What Is Tamoxifen Treatment?

Tamoxifen controls specific types of breast cancer that are stimulated by estrogen. Tamoxifen binds to the estrogen receptors on the cancer cells and interferes with tumor growth.

  1. Tamoxifen

    • Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is a selective estrogen modulator (SERM). It blocks estrogen receptors located on cells of certain types of breast cancer that are stimulated by estrogen. In this way, tamoxifen prevents the tumor from growing, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

    Breast Cancer

    • Tamoxifen is used for both early- and late-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer after surgical removal of the breast tumor. Tamoxifen is a tablet taken once daily for up to five years.

    Cancer Prevention

    • Women at high risk for hormone-sensitive breast cancer may take tamoxifen to prevent tumors, according to the NCI. Tamoxifen does not prevent breast cancer that is not hormone sensitive.

    Side Effects

    • Common side effects of tamoxifen include hot flashes and vaginal discharge. Serious side effects include stroke, blood clots and an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

    Endometrial Cancer

    • Although tamoxifen blocks the action of estrogen in the breast, it acts as an estrogen stimulant in the uterus. Estrogen and tamoxifen are associated with endometrial cancer, which affects the lining of the uterus, and uterine sarcoma, a cancer of the uterine wall muscle.

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