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Raloxifene to prevent bone fractures?

Page last modified on: September 9, 2008
Question from Fernando: What do you think about the use of raloxifene to prevent bone fractures?
Answers —Charles Shapiro, M.D.: Raloxifene is actually developed as an osteoporosis drug and approved for use in osteoporosis. It's not as effective as other drugs like Fosamax and Actonel. In the initial studies of raloxifene, which were dedicated to osteoporosis, researchers observed a reduction in breast cancer developing in women without a personal history of breast cancer who received raloxifene, compared to women who received a placebo. So it seems like raloxifene is a potential breast cancer preventive, as tamoxifen is established to be. There's an ongoing trial called the STAR Trial, which is comparing tamoxifen to raloxifene in high risk women.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: This is for women who've not had breast cancer, are post-menopausal, and thought to be at high risk for developing the disease.

On Wednesday, August 21, 2002, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Keeping Your Bones Strong. Charles L. Shapiro, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how to measure the strength of your bones, how to find out your risk for osteoporosis, and what you can do to lower that risk.

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

Charles L. Shapiro, M.D.

Charles L. Shapiro, M.D. is a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer, and associate professor at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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