Partial Inhibition of Estrogen-Induced Mammary Carcinogenesis in Rats by Tamoxifen: Balance between Oxidant Stress and Estrogen Responsiveness
2011

Tamoxifen and Breast Cancer in Rats

Sample size: 56 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bhupendra Singh, Nimee K. Bhat, Hari K. Bhat

Primary Institution: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Hypothesis

Does long-term tamoxifen treatment prevent estrogen-induced breast cancer in rats?

Conclusion

Tamoxifen treatment inhibits estrogen-induced breast tumor development but does not completely prevent it.

Supporting Evidence

  • Tamoxifen treatment decreased tumor incidence from 82% in estrogen-only treated rats to 44% in tamoxifen plus estrogen treated rats.
  • No tumors were detected in the tamoxifen-only treatment group.
  • Tamoxifen increased the latency of tumor development compared to the estrogen-only group.
  • Oxidative stress markers were elevated in the tamoxifen plus estrogen group.

Takeaway

This study shows that while tamoxifen helps reduce breast cancer caused by estrogen in rats, it doesn't stop it completely.

Methodology

Female ACI rats were treated with estrogen, tamoxifen, or both for eight months, and tumor incidence and oxidative stress markers were measured.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the interpretation of tamoxifen's effects due to the specific animal model used.

Limitations

The study is limited to a rat model and may not fully represent human breast cancer dynamics.

Participant Demographics

Female ACI rats, aged 4 weeks at the start of the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025125

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