While estrogen-lowering drugs are currently used to treat breast cancer, a new study shows that estrogen itself can fight the tumor in those suffering a comeback.
Previous studies had reported that drugs such as tamoxifen and the aromatase inhibitors can treat breast malignancy through cutting off the estrogen required for feeding the estrogen-receptor-positive tumors.
According to the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a very low dose of estrogen can treat relapses in 30 percent of women on estrogen-blocking drugs.
It is also reported to be more effective and much better tolerated than chemotherapy.
Failure, however, is noted in 30 percent of those who had previously responded to the treatment. The study, however, showed that going back on the aromatase inhibitors could stop the progression of the cancer in one third of these patients.
"We demonstrated clearly that the low dose was better tolerated than the high dose and was just as effective for controlling metastatic disease," said lead researcher Matthew Ellis.
He added that a high dose of the drug may cause headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, fluid retention, nausea and vomiting.
Scientists concluded that estrogen can be used to treat metastatic hormone-dependent breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=103942§ionid=3510210
The relevant research papers from the journal can be accessed here:
Estradiol in Breast Cancer Treatment: http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/extract/302/7/797
Lower-Dose vs High-Dose Oral Estradiol Therapy of Hormone Receptor–Positive, Aromatase Inhibitor–Resistant Advanced Breast Cancer: http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/302/7/774?home
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