Endometrial cancer risk in postmenopausal breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The gynaecological toxicity profile of tamoxifen presents a significant burden to the patients and oncologist as tamoxifen-related side effects result in additional investigations, procedures and referrals. Aromatase inhibitor have been shown to result in significant reduction in gynaecological problems, possibly including endometrial cancer.

Areas covered: We reviewed the main breast cancer trials, observation or cohort studies investigating tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor to report on endometrial adverse events and cancer.

Expert commentary: Evidence for an increase in endometrial cancers with tamoxifen in breast cancer treated patients is now very clear. Aromatase inhibitors have shown to have a beneficial effect on the endometrium. There is an important need for further studies to clearly determine the influence of aromatase inhibitors on the endometrial in tamoxifen-naïve women. The effect of aromatase inhibitors on gynaecological problems may have potentially a very important impact in clinical practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Endometrial cancer
• breast cancer
• endocrine therapy
• tamoxifen
• aromatase inhibitor

Declaration of interest

J Cuzick has received grants from AstraZeneca. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.