Prevention of breast cancer in high-risk women

The results of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT) were released in April 1998. In that trial, 13,388 women who were at high risk of developing breast cancer were randomized to receive tamoxifen or placebo for 5 years. There was a 49% (P < .00001) reduction in invasive breast cancer and a 50% (P < .002) reduction in noninvasive breast cancer. This is a major breakthrough in cancer prevention. The results of the BCPT are the basis for a second-generation prevention study; the STAR trial (Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene). Both the Ochsner Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) and the Louisiana State University Minority-Based CCOP applied to participate in the STAR trial. Both applications were peer reviewed and both were approved. The STAR trial is being initiated in early 1999.