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news.Fewer than one in five women eligible to take tamoxifen, the controversial cancer drug marketed by AstraZeneca as Nolvadex, were inclined to take the drug after being told of its risks and benefits, according to a new study.
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The study, published in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, reports that concerns over the drug’s adverse effects were the primary reason for refusal.
Tamoxifen, a synthetic estrogen receptor modulator, is an effective breast cancer adjuvant therapy and is also recognized as a breast cancer prevention drug for women. It also has the added benefit of reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
However, the medication is not without significant side effects, including increased risk of endometrial cancer, pulmonary embolism, painful sexual intercourse, stroke, and cataracts. These risks fuel public debate about the drug’s use in preventing breast cancer, even among high-risk women.
Researchers interviewed 255 women with significant risk factors for breast cancer. The interview included an evidence-based education session about the risks and benefits of tamoxifen and a follow-up evaluation of their knowledge about the drug and their decision to take or not take tamoxifen.
After hearing about the drug’s benefits and risk, only 17.6% of women over 50 in the study who were potentially eligible to take it would take tamoxifen. Even among women who had heard of tamoxifen, few were inclined to try it, and very few changed their minds after the educational session.