An article in the New York Times explains that for women with breast cancer to benefit from Tamoxifen therapy, they need a certain gene that allows them to convert the drug to a form that is active in the body. Tamoxifen is ineffective unless it can be converted to the active form. A gene test can be used to determine who will — and more important who will not — benefit from this drug.
Tamoxifen is not only used as a treatment for breast cancer. It is sometimes recommended as a preventive for premenopausal women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer. These otherwise healthy women should be tested for this gene before being exposed to the potential adverse effects of Tamoxifen, including menopausal symptoms, blood clots, and uterine cancer.
Using a medication that might have dangerous side effects as a preventive in healthy individuals would only be reasonable for those who have the potential to benefit. Better yet, breast cancer risk can be reduced by certain lifestyle choices. www.ReduceBreastCancerRisk.com
Tags: breast cancer, gene, genetic testing, health, recurrence, reduce risk, risk, Tamoxifen
