Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, taken orally, used to treat and to help prevent breast cancer in both women and men, typically for around five years as part of breast cancer treatment. It works by blocking the effect of estrogen in breast tissue, slowing the growth of breast cancer cells that depend on estrogen, while having mixed estrogen-like and estrogen-blocking effects in other tissues of the body. Chemist Dora Richardson first synthesized the compound, then designated ICI-46,474, in 1962 at ICI Pharmaceuticals' Alderley Park research facility, as part of research into anti-estrogen compounds intended for contraception led by endocrinologist Arthur Walpole; when the compound was instead found to stimulate ovulation in drug trial participants, its intended use shifted, and Walpole's advocacy for cancer trials led to the first clinical study of tamoxifen in advanced breast cancer at Christie Hospital in 1971.
Facts
Drug ClassSelective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), a triphenylethylene derivative. 1 Mechanism of ActionCompetitively binds estrogen receptors, decreasing the growth of breast cancer cells. 1 Approved UseTreatment and prevention of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in women and men, typically taken daily for five years. 1 First Approved / Isolated Year Significant RiskSmall increased risk of uterine cancer, stroke, vision problems, and pulmonary embolism. 1 Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own accountL: Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents 2 Route of Administration WHO Essential MedicineSourced to the subject's own account Connections
Treats
Source Tamoxifen (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Tamoxifen (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead section
Tamoxifen, sold under the brand name Nolvadex among others, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used to prevent breast cancer in women and men.
Infobox, drug class
Selective estrogen receptor modulator
Lead section, mechanism
It is a selective estrogen-receptor modulator (SERM) and works by decreasing the growth of breast cancer cells.
Lead section, adverse effects
Serious side effects include a small increased risk of uterine cancer, stroke, vision problems, and pulmonary embolism.
History section
Walpole also may have helped to convince the company to market tamoxifen for late stage breast cancer in 1973.
- Regulatory approval status
Treats: Breast Cancer, Lead section, indication
Tamoxifen, sold under the brand name Nolvadex among others, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used to prevent breast cancer in women and men.
View the Source 2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code LQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code L
Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
3. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamoxifen, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamoxifen, lead section
d for Albright syndrome. Tamoxifen is typically taken daily by mouth for five years for breast cancer.
4. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Hormones and antihormones sectionQuote, WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Hormones and antihormones section
Tamoxifen
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tamoxifen used for?
A selective estrogen receptor modulator for treating and preventing breast cancer.
Tamoxifen, sold under the brand name Nolvadex among others, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used to prevent breast cancer in women and men. It is used for the treatment of both early and advanced estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in pre- and postmenopausal women. It is typically taken daily by mouth for five years for breast cancer.
What are the serious side effects of tamoxifen?
Uterine cancer, stroke, vision problems and pulmonary embolism, so use is typically limited to five years.
Serious side effects include a small increased risk of uterine cancer, stroke, vision problems, and pulmonary embolism. Tamoxifen has been linked to endometrial cancer in some women, and with time the risk of endometrial cancer may be doubled to quadrupled, which is a reason it is typically only used for five years. It may cause harm to the baby if taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.