Tamoxifen vs. raloxifene? Effects of folic acid?
Meet the Experts
Hope S. Rugo, M.D. is a clinical professor of medicine in the division of hematology and oncology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she directs the Breast Oncology Clinical Trials Program.
Jennifer Armstrong, M.D. is a breast cancer oncologist at Paoli Hematology-Oncology Associates in Paoli, Pa., with a special interest in physicians' communication skills.
Question from Abiola: Here in Nigeria we are given blanket treatment due to lack of facilities. Can you tell me first, should cancer survivors take folic acid? Second, what are the research findings comparing tamoxifen and raloxifene (Evista)? No doctor here is able to give me an answer.
- Answer —Hope Rugo, M.D.: Folic acid is an important vitamin, but as far as we know, has no impact on survival or recurrence after a diagnosis of cancer. It is occasionally used to offset the effects of cancer chemotherapy. Tamoxifen has been shown to have significant impact on recurrence, reducing recurrence by up to 50% and the effects can last for up to 15 years after treatment. Raloxifene (Evista) has never been used in clinical trials and should not be used to treat breast cancer. The only usage is in the field of prevention. Prevention is a very different effect than treating early stage breast cancer. Tamoxifen is the standard of care, and, in postmenopausal women, an aromatase inhibitor is also used.
On Wednesday, June 15, 2005 our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the 2005 ASCO Annual Meeting. Hope Rugo, M.D. and moderator Jennifer Armstrong, M.D. answered your questions on the latest research advances presented at the 2005 American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Orlando, FL.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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