Tamoxifen for ER negative

[swalcott]

A few weeks ago a read something on the internet about new studies that show that women with only slightly ER positive tumors can still benefit from taking tamoxifen.  My doctor happened to call me that same day to suggest I consider taking Tamoxifen.  I have searched and searched but can not find the article that I read on this.  Do you have any information on this issue?  I was diagnosed last August at age 39, 2.2cm tumor, grade 3, stage IIa, no nodes involved.  I was tested at 3%ER+ and 5%PR+ which I was originally told was essentially the same as negative hormone receptors.  I had 18 weekly treatments of taxol and 36 treatments of radiation.  Would you recommend Tamoxifen at this stage?  If I am only slightly positive, will I only "slightly" benefit from this drug??
Thank You.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear swalcott, Sorry for the delay, however, after checking with our oncologists here regarding your question.  There is some evidence that even tumors that have a low % of ER/PR positivity, may still benefit from adjuvant hormone therapy.  One reference was a paper that described a different lab method of checking ER/PR status and in the discussion of the results of the study concluded that even with low levels of ER/PR expression that a significant benefit may be obtained.  

[rkmsim]

I was also borderline.  My surgeon, oncologist and gyn all recommended tamoxifen.  I've been on it for 4 years and 6 months now.  When my 5 years are up, they are switching me to Evista.  The Evista is actually going to be given to prevent osteoporosis but he chose that drug since it appears to have some positive results in preventing breast cancer as well.