An experience with estrogen replacement therapy in breast cancer survivors
Brewster, W.R.; DiSaia, P.J.; Grosen, E.A.; McGonigle, K.F.; Kuykendall, J.L.; Creasman, W.T.
International Journal of Fertility and Women's Medicine 44(4): 186-192
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 1534-892X PMID: 10499739 Document Number: 501612
To evaluate the outcome of breast cancer patients who elected estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Breast cancer survivors who elected ERT received the preferred regimen of conjugated estrogen 0.625 mg/day with medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg/day. 145 patients received ERT for at least 3 months. Thirteen recurrences (9%) were identified; 10 are alive with disease, 3 are dead of disease. The median interval between diagnosis and commencement of ERT was 41 months. Forty-one percent of the study group initiated ERT within 3 years of their breast cancer diagnosis. The median duration of follow-up on ERT was 30 months. The concern that ERT might activate growth in occult metastatic sites and promote a rash of recurrences was not confirmed. It is unreasonable to categorically deny all breast cancer survivors ERT.