Tamoxifen - Long term - Not good results?

survivorbc09
survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I read a post where someone stated that tamoxifen studies for long term were not good. Does

anyone know why or where they read that? I always wondered as they only want you on it for 5

years. I always thought, why just 5? Why not your lifetime? Thanks!

Comments

  • arbojenn
    arbojenn Member Posts: 118
    #2
    tamoxifen versus aromatose inhibitors
    I read that tamoxifen works mainly for premenopausal patients with er positive tumors. Once you hit menopause, the aramose inhibitors--according to the research I have read--have a much better outcome. As a matter of fact, if tamoxifen stops working, the protocol is usually to change to an aromatose inhibitor. At least, that is the research as I interpret it. Are you on tamoxifen now?
    I wondered why they give some patients tamoxifen after they zap them into a chemo induced menopause. Why don't they give aramotose inhibitors from the getgo, unless the patient is having periods? Makes me wish I paid more attention in biology and chemistry classes! The research I have read does say that after five years, the cells usually develop a resistence to tamoxifen. I think we stop the AI after a time because of the side effects and because the jury is still out on how long to continue those.
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #3
    arbojenn said:

    tamoxifen versus aromatose inhibitors
    I read that tamoxifen works mainly for premenopausal patients with er positive tumors. Once you hit menopause, the aramose inhibitors--according to the research I have read--have a much better outcome. As a matter of fact, if tamoxifen stops working, the protocol is usually to change to an aromatose inhibitor. At least, that is the research as I interpret it. Are you on tamoxifen now?
    I wondered why they give some patients tamoxifen after they zap them into a chemo induced menopause. Why don't they give aramotose inhibitors from the getgo, unless the patient is having periods? Makes me wish I paid more attention in biology and chemistry classes! The research I have read does say that after five years, the cells usually develop a resistence to tamoxifen. I think we stop the AI after a time because of the side effects and because the jury is still out on how long to continue those.

    I don't have an answer for
    I don't have an answer for you about this question, but, I would be interested in knowing. So, arbojenn, you say the tamox stops working after 5 years? And, the side effects for AL are so bad that they stop it for that reason? Yikes, what are we putting in our bodies????
  • jamjar62
    jamjar62 Member Posts: 135
    #4
    studies smudies
    Tamoxifen loses it's efficacy the longer you are on it. I think the latest study says that begins around 3.5 yrs. If at that time you are menopausal, the best treatment option is to switch to an AI. If not, continue the Tamoxifen to the 5 year mark and recheck hormone levels to determine menopause. The AI websites say that, ideally, you should begin AI treatment within 3 months of stopping Tamoxifen.

    I only know this because I went through this same discussion with my onc while on Tamoxifen.
  • EveningStar2
    EveningStar2 Member Posts: 491 Member
    #5
    jamjar62 said:

    studies smudies
    Tamoxifen loses it's efficacy the longer you are on it. I think the latest study says that begins around 3.5 yrs. If at that time you are menopausal, the best treatment option is to switch to an AI. If not, continue the Tamoxifen to the 5 year mark and recheck hormone levels to determine menopause. The AI websites say that, ideally, you should begin AI treatment within 3 months of stopping Tamoxifen.

    I only know this because I went through this same discussion with my onc while on Tamoxifen.

    Datapoint
    Just as information, I had DCIS and am postmenopausal. I am on Tamoxifen and my onc said that was the standard for DCIS.

    Maureen
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #6
    jamjar62 said:

    studies smudies
    Tamoxifen loses it's efficacy the longer you are on it. I think the latest study says that begins around 3.5 yrs. If at that time you are menopausal, the best treatment option is to switch to an AI. If not, continue the Tamoxifen to the 5 year mark and recheck hormone levels to determine menopause. The AI websites say that, ideally, you should begin AI treatment within 3 months of stopping Tamoxifen.

    I only know this because I went through this same discussion with my onc while on Tamoxifen.

    What if your insurance only
    What if your insurance only pays for tamox and not al? And, what about the women that are postmenopausal? Can they stay on the tamox only for 5 years? This is confusing lol

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