Comparing Two Doses of Tamoxifen in Postmenopausal Women with Advanced Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): D.G. Bratherton, C.H. Brown, R. Buchanan, V. Hall, E.M. Kingsley Pillers, T.K. Wheeler, C.J. Williams
Primary Institution: Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge; Royal South Hants Hospital, Southampton
Hypothesis
Does the dosage of tamoxifen affect the tumor response rate and duration in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer?
Conclusion
The study found no significant difference in clinical response between the two doses of tamoxifen, although the higher dose resulted in higher serum concentrations.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean objective tumor response rate was 32% with a duration of 15 months.
- Patients receiving 20mg of tamoxifen had significantly higher serum concentrations than those receiving 10mg.
- No significant difference in clinical response or adverse effects was found between the two dosage groups.
- 34% of patients in the 10mg group achieved more than 50% tumor regression compared to 31% in the 20mg group.
- Overall response rates including disease stabilization were 50% for 10mg and 57% for 20mg.
Takeaway
This study looked at two doses of a medicine called tamoxifen to see which one works better for women with advanced breast cancer, but both doses worked about the same.
Methodology
A double-blind trial comparing the effects of 10mg and 20mg of tamoxifen on tumor response in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients with previous treatments and the limited follow-up period.
Limitations
The study was limited by the short treatment duration and the exclusion of premenopausal women.
Participant Demographics
Postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer, primarily aged between 45 and 91 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
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