New Tamoxifen Gel to Fight Breast Cancer Reduces Blood Clot Risk: Study

Researchers have found that a gel form of an established breast cancer drug that can be applied topically reduces the growth of cancer cells considerably in comparison to the established oral version.

Tamoxifen, a drug meant to be taken orally, is prescribed for breast cancer prevention and as therapy for non-invasive breast cancer. Applied topically in gel form, the drug gets absorbed through the skin and goes directly to breast tissue, which means that a lower dosage can be used. Reduced levels of the drug in the blood results in fewer side effects that have included blood clots and uterine cancer. Some woman with DCIS have been hesitant to take tamoxifen due to possible side effects, despite the fact that side effects are inherent with most drugs usage.

"Delivering the drug though a gel – if proven effective in larger trials – could potentially replace oral tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention and encourage many more women to take it," said lead author Seema Khan, a surgical oncologist from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, regarding the study.

Researchers tested effects of the gel on women diagnosed with non-invasive cancer ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the type of cancer which in which forms abnormal growths in the milk duct.

The study was conducted on 26 women, aged between 45 and 86. All of them were diagnosed with DCIS that was sensitive to estrogen. Researchers administered 13 women with the gel daily and the rest were given oral drugs on the same frequency.

Results showed that gel delivery method was best: the drug was concentrated in breast tissue where it was needed and was found only in minimal quantities in the rest of the body.

The paper was documented in the journal "Clinical Cancer Research."

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