Tamoxifen for prevention of breast cancer
Article Abstract:
Tamoxifen has been approved by the FDA for preventing breast cancer in women who have a high risk of the disease. Tamoxifen binds to the same receptor as estrogen and therefore prevents estrogen from stimulating tumor growth. In one large study of tamoxifen for preventing breast cancer in high-risk women, women who took tamoxifen were more likely to develop endometrial cancer. They were also more likely to develop blood clotting abnormalities, stroke, or cataracts. Tamoxifen was not effective in preventing breast cancer in older women and these women were more likely to have side effects.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1999
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Valrubicin for bladder cancer
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved the drug valrubicin for the treatment of bladder cancer. Sold under the trade name Valstar, it should only be used in patients with carcinoma-in-situ who do not respond to BCG and cannot have their bladder removed. Valrubicin is chemically similar to doxorubicin, but does not damage the heart as doxorubicin does. Patients who have no contraindication to bladder removal should have their bladder removed, since that is the only treatment that can prevent metastasis.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1999
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Trastuzumab and capecitabine for metastatic breast cancer
Article Abstract:
The drugs trastuzumab and capecitabine have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of breast cancer. Trastuzumab is sold under the trade name Herceptin and is a monoclonal antibody that binds to a protein produced by the HER2 oncogene. It should be used in women who have high levels of this protein. The drug does have side effects. Capecitabine is sold under the trade name Xeloda and is converted by the body into 5-fluorouracil.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1998
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