Tamoxifen and Endometrial Cancer

Tamoxifen is commonly used in the management of patients with breast cancer. Clinical trials of tamoxifen involving over 75,000 patients demonstrate an improved recurrence-free and overall survival benefit in both pre- and post-menopausal women. Large-scale trials also are evaluating the role of tamoxifen as a chemopreventive agent in women considered to be at high risk for developing breast cancer based on family history. Endometrial cancer is an uncommon complication of tamoxifen therapy. Since the majority of these cancers will be detected at an early stage when they are highly curable, however, the overall benefit of tamoxifen treatment in breast cancer patients outweighs this risk. All women receiving tamoxifen who have a uterus should undergo regular gynecologic examinations.