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Studies on hormone replacement therapy?

Page last modified on: August 20, 2008
Question from LeQuoia: Is there any study being done on hormone replacement therapy? Or is it old news for researchers now?
Answers —Carol Kaplan, M.D.: I'm thinking you might be asking about whether hormone replacement therapy and its link to breast cancer is undergoing further evaluation. I'm not aware of any trials focusing on this at this time. However, I think that the Women's Health Initiative trial has clearly shown us an increased breast cancer risk in those patients who undergo prolonged hormone replacement therapy when it includes a combination of estrogen and progesterone agents. I think that most clinicians believe that therapy for longer than 5 years will likely bring with it an increase in the risk of breast cancer.
Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P.: A recent study was just published looking at a different issue, which is hormone replacement in breast cancer survivors. And, based on a Scandinavian trial, there was some support to the idea that hormone replacement therapy -- in that study estrogen plus progesterone -- increased risk of breast cancer recurrence. So I think the study, while not the final answer, highlights caution when giving hormone replacement or thinking about hormone replacement to women who have had breast cancer.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2008 our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting. Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. and Carol Kaplan, M.D. answered your questions about the latest research advances on screening, treatment, side effects, and more.

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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Meet the Experts

Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.PGenerosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. is the director of the Cooper Cancer Institute and heads the division of hematology/medical oncology at Cooper University Hospital.

Carol Kaplan, M.D. is an assistant professor of clinical medicine in the Rena Rowan Breast Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Her work revolves around the clinical care of breast cancer patients, as well as teaching medical students and house staff.

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