Hormonal prevention of breast cancer

Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2014 Jul;75(3):148-55. doi: 10.1016/j.ando.2014.04.012. Epub 2014 Jul 2.

Abstract

Breast cancer prevention can be provided by using SERMs or aromatase inhibitors depending on the ovarian status, with a global risk reduction of 50 to 60%. Prophylactic annexectomy offered to reduce ovarian risk in BRCA mutation carriers also lowers breast cancer risk by 50%. Main side effects include deep vein thrombosis for SERMs, hot flushes and joint pain (although less frequently than initially suspected) with aromatase inhibitors. Other strategies based on progesterone, insulin or prolactin signaling modulation may be offered in the future. Criteria for candidate selection remain to be established.

Keywords: Antihormones; Breast; Cancer; Cancer du sein; Inhibiteur de l’aromatase; Prevention; Prévention; SERM.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aromatase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / economics
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Arthralgia / chemically induced
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Female
  • France
  • Genes, BRCA1
  • Genes, BRCA2
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Hot Flashes / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation
  • Ovariectomy
  • Placebos
  • Prophylactic Surgical Procedures / economics
  • Prospective Studies
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / adverse effects
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / economics
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / therapeutic use*
  • Venous Thrombosis / chemically induced

Substances

  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Placebos
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators