Low-Dose Tamoxifen for Noninvasive Breast Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Tamoxifen is a standard endocrine therapy for breast cancer.
• Conventional tamoxifen doses are associated with significant side effects.
• Low-dose tamoxifen presents a potentially safer alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose tamoxifen.
• To assess the impact of low-dose tamoxifen on breast events and mortality.
• To determine the risk of adverse events, including endometrial cancer.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted on databases.
• Studies were included up to November 23, 2023.
• A meta-analysis approach was used to synthesize data.

Main Results:

• Low-dose tamoxifen significantly decreased overall breast events, ipsilateral, and contralateral tumour events.
• No significant difference in breast cancer-specific mortality was observed (p = 0.767).
• A statistically significant reduction in non-breast cancer mortality (p < 0.001) and overall mortality (p = 0.002) was found.
• There was no significant increase in endometrial cancer (p = 0.577) or overall adverse events (p = 0.216).

Conclusions:

• Low-dose tamoxifen is effective in reducing breast carcinoma risk for patients with noninvasive breast disease.
• It offers a favorable safety profile with reduced overall mortality.
• Low-dose tamoxifen can be considered for breast cancer prevention and treatment.