Prospective study on gynaecological effects of two antioestrogens tamoxifen and toremifene in postmenopausal women
2001

Effects of Tamoxifen and Toremifene on Postmenopausal Women

Sample size: 167 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Marttunen M B, Cacciatore B, Hietanen P, Pyrhönen S, Tiitinen A, Wahlström T, Ylikorkala O

Primary Institution: Helsinki University Central Hospital

Hypothesis

What are the gynaecological consequences of using tamoxifen and toremifene in postmenopausal breast cancer patients?

Conclusion

Tamoxifen and toremifene cause similar vasomotor and vaginal symptoms without leading to premalignant endometrial changes.

Supporting Evidence

  • 35% of patients had vasomotor symptoms before treatment, increasing to 60% during the first year.
  • Vaginal dryness increased from 6% at baseline to over 24% during treatment.
  • Endometrial thickness increased significantly during treatment.
  • The tamoxifen group had a higher rate of proliferative endometrium compared to the toremifene group.

Takeaway

This study looked at how two medications affect women after menopause, finding that both can cause similar side effects but don't lead to serious problems in the uterus.

Methodology

The study involved 167 postmenopausal breast cancer patients who were treated with either tamoxifen or toremifene, with assessments at multiple time points.

Participant Demographics

Postmenopausal breast cancer patients

Statistical Information

P-Value

P<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1054/bjoc.2001.1703

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