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An experience with estrogen replacement therapy in breast cancer survivors
W R Brewster1, P J DiSaia, E A Grosen
1Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Orange 92868, USA.
Objective:
To evaluate the outcome of breast cancer patients who elected estrogen replacement therapy (ERT).
Study Design:
Breast cancer survivors who elected ERT received the preferred regimen of conjugated estrogen 0.625 mg/day with medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg/day.
Results:
145 patients received ERT for at least 3 months. Thirteen recurrences (9%) were identified; 10 are alive with disease, 3 are dead of disease. The median interval between diagnosis and commencement of ERT was 41 months. Forty-one percent of the study group initiated ERT within 3 years of their breast cancer diagnosis. The median duration of follow-up on ERT was 30 months.
Conclusion:
The concern that ERT might activate growth in occult metastatic sites and promote a rash of recurrences was not confirmed. It is unreasonable to categorically deny all breast cancer survivors ERT.
