I have been invited to take part in a clinical trial with either Tamoxifen or Arimidex (won’t know which) but am unsure what to do. I sailed through menopause 8 years ago, the only symptom was my periods stopping - no hot flushes or anything - felt like a new woman as my childbearing years caused nothing but hormonal problems. How do these drugs affect you all? Do I want to put myself through these side effects if I don’t have to? I know the end decision will have to be mine but would appreciate comments. Many thanks
Hi myrtle
Whilst you wait for your fellow forum users to reply with their advice and experiences you may find it useful to have a look at the BCC fact sheets on tamoxifen and arimidex. These can be found at the following links:-
breastcancercare.org.uk//docs/arimidex_dec06_0.pdf
breastcancercare.org.uk//docs/tamoxifen__november_06_0.pdf
I hope you find these helpful.
Kind regards
Sam
BCC Facilitator
Hi Myrtle
I am just coming to the end of 5 years on Tamoxifen, and can say that the side effects haven’t been too bad.
As you are post menopausal the “gold standard” treatment is an aromatase inhibitor. I am not sure what the benefits of the trial are, and if I was in your position I would want to know what treatment I was having.
ingentaconnect.com/content/fm/whe/2005/00000001/00000003/art00003;jsessionid=62r8ja0cljen.alexandra
Abstract:
Tamoxifen has long been the standard endocrine therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer. However, data now suggest that the third-generation aromatase inhibitors have emerged as superior alternatives for advanced disease. In early disease evaluation of initial adjuvant therapy, data from the Arimidex®, Tamoxifen, Alone and in Combination trial has shown that anastrozole is more effective than tamoxifen with a better risk–benefit profile. This trial provides the most mature data of any aromatase inhibitor study and suggests that anastrozole should be considered the preferred initial adjuvant therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone-responsive early breast cancer. The emergence of aromatase inhibitors as an alternative to tamoxifen for the treatment of breast cancer is challenging the management of the disease and influencing the change of regulatory guidelines.
Hope this helps you.
Best wishes
RMW
I take. dx at aged 40 so pre-menopause - tumour was er+ by a mere 5% so I was kind of scarily close to triple negative. I figured anything that helped stop it coming back was a good idea. Started tamoxifen in Feb and have had surprisingly few side effects - can’t really claim to suffer hot flushes and not had mood swings or put on any weight. The main problem I have suffered has been the fact that when I get my period it is accompanied by a dreadful itch and I develop small blisters in the nether regions… however I am pleased to say that that side of things is starting to lessen … still have the periods but don’t have as bad an itch or blisters.
Good luck in making your decision - it was easy for me cos they just said ‘the plans is xyz’ and I went with it.