Interaction of tamoxifen's impact on overall net mortality and quality of life
Ragaz, J.
Oncology 11(2 Suppl 1: 45-48
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0890-9091 PMID: 9065927 Document Number: 476145
Tamoxifen has well-documented activity in reducing breast cancer mortality. In addition, it has several secondary effects that may have an overall impact on long-term survival, and that are of particular importance in patients surviving the primary breast cancer. To fully understand the therapeutic role of tamoxifen, it is important to take into account survival differences related to all conditions known to be affected by tamoxifen. The purpose of this report is twofold. First, it provides information on mortality rates for conditions other than primary breast cancer in patients who survive the primary breast cancer, and the effect of tamoxifen on these mortality rates. Second, it outlines the principal side effects of tamoxifen that can affect quality of life and briefly summarizes their management.