Tamoxifen induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in oestrogen receptor-negative human cancer cell lines
1999

Tamoxifen and Its Effects on Cancer Cells

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Ferlini C, Scambia G, Marone M, Distefano M, Gaggini C, Ferrandina G, Fattorossi A, Isola G, Panici P Benedetti, Mancuso S

Primary Institution: Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

Hypothesis

Can tamoxifen induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in oestrogen receptor-negative cancer cells?

Conclusion

Tamoxifen can induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in certain cancer cell lines, depending on the dosage used.

Supporting Evidence

  • Tamoxifen generates oxidative stress in cancer cells.
  • At low doses, tamoxifen promotes cell growth, while at high doses, it induces cell death.
  • The apoptosis induced by tamoxifen is not related to the bcl-2 protein.

Takeaway

Tamoxifen, a cancer treatment, can either help cells grow or cause them to die, depending on how much is used.

Methodology

The study investigated the effects of tamoxifen on two ER-negative cancer cell lines, measuring oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6690042

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