Tamoxifen Distribution in Brain Tissue and Metastases
Author Information
Author(s): E.A. Lien, K. Wester, P.E. L0nning, E. Solheim, P.M. Ueland
Primary Institution: University of Bergen
Hypothesis
How does tamoxifen and its metabolites distribute in brain tissue and brain metastases from breast cancer patients?
Conclusion
Tamoxifen and its metabolites are found in significantly higher concentrations in brain tissue and brain metastases compared to serum.
Supporting Evidence
- Tamoxifen and its metabolites were found to be up to 46-fold higher in brain tissue and brain metastases compared to serum.
- Metabolite X was the most abundant, followed by tamoxifen and metabolite Z.
- Hydroxylated metabolites were detected in most specimens.
Takeaway
This study found that tamoxifen and its breakdown products can get into the brain and brain tumors much more than in the blood, which might help treat breast cancer that has spread to the brain.
Methodology
The study involved collecting brain and tumor tissue from three breast cancer patients who had been treated with tamoxifen, followed by analysis of the tissue for tamoxifen and its metabolites using high-performance liquid chromatography.
Limitations
The study is limited by the small sample size of only three patients.
Participant Demographics
All participants were women with a history of breast cancer and brain metastases.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website