BREAST CANCER EXPERT FORUM
Is there a recommended follow-up tx for apocrine ca in situ after radiation?

Is there a recommended follow-up tx for apocrine ca in situ after radiation?

I recently had a lumpectomy for apocrine ca in situ.  No lymph node involvement.  Followed by standard radiation tx.  Since this tumor is not estrogen sensitive, would there be any value in taking tamoxifen or arimidex?  I understand that in addition to being estrogen blockers, these drugs also have a possible anti ca effect in general.  I am 56 and had been a smoker for many years and now feel that I may be more susceptible to ca in the future since this recent diagnosis.
Related Discussions
Avatar_n_tn
Dear clj:  There is no evidence that tamoxifen reduces recurrence or improves survival in estrogen receptor negative breast cancer.  In fact, a study in 1999 indicated that recurrence may actually be higher in estrogen receptor negative breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen.  This is true even though there is some evidence that tamoxifen may decrease the incidence of breast cancer in the opposite breast.  You should certainly have a risk/benefit discussion with your doctor before considering taking tamoxifen.  Arimidex is approved for metastatic disease in estrogen receptor positive, post menopausal women.  It would not be appropriate in your situation.
Blank
Continue discussion Blank
Go
MedHelp Health Answers
Submit
Blank
Weight Tracker
Reach your weight goal faster
Start Tracking Now
RSS Expert Activity
1741471_tn?1336957856
Blank
LIVE WEBINAR TOMORROW!-SUPER BODY, ... Blank
May 22 by Michael Gonzalez-WallaceBlank
2126606_tn?1335910182
Blank
Fibromyalgia Awareness
May 11 by Clare Waismann Kavin, RASBlank
2126606_tn?1335910182
Blank
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia reduces...
May 03 by Clare Waismann Kavin, RASBlank