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Why is tamoxifen recommended for LCIS?

Page last modified on: October 7, 2008
Question from Nunz: Why is tamoxifen recommended for women with LCIS if we aren't sure it's estrogen-receptor-positive?
Answers —Lynn Hartmann, M.D.: In the large U.S. prevention trial on non-invasive disease women with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) were eligible. There was a significant reduction of their risk of subsequent breast cancer with tamoxifen. So we consider tamoxifen a valid option for women with LCIS.
Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: LCIS is not cancer; it is a marker for an elevated risk of developing breast cancer. Therefore, the rationale for using tamoxifen is for those cancers that are estrogen-receptor-positive, we are attempting to block those cells from dividing and turning into cancer. Tamoxifen would not be effective in tumors that are estrogen-receptor-negative, but a majority of breast cancers are estrogen-receptor-positive. Therefore, we derive the benefit of tamoxifen from that fact.

On Wednesday, February 15, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Risk Reduction. Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about a variety of topics such as screening with mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds; breast biopsies; lifestyle changes that make a difference; and making hard decisions about prophylactic surgeries.

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

Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D.Lynn Hartmann, M.D. is a professor of oncology at the Mayo Clinic and associate director for education of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

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