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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Will Zoladex Reduce Recurrence Of Breast Cancer If Taken With Tamoxifen?

I got a Skin Sparing Mastectomy done on my right breast on March 30th, 2011 as the tumour was malignant. Post that i completed my 8 cycles of Dose-Dense Chemotherapy followed by 28 fractions of radiation therapy. My ER & PR are 90% positive & hence now i am on hormone therapy taking 1x20mg tablet of "Tamoxifen" daily & will have to do so for the next 5 years. I have attached my post surgical report. My Onco yesterday also advised that i get Injection Zoladex for 2 years (@ 3.6 mg monthly or 10.8 mg quarterly). I am 36 years unmarried. I do understand that zoladex will suppress the function of the ovaries for 2 years. My ques:1) By how much does Zoladex reduce chances of recurrence when taken with tamoxifen in comparison to only Tamoxifen ? 2) Basis my report is it advisable to get Zoladex shots ? and why is 2 years considered ideal & not less or more ?
Mon, 8 Dec 2014
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Oncologist, Surgical,  's  Response
There is no role for taking Inj Zoladex alongwith Tamoxifen. Zoladex is given to suppress ovarian function and effectively convert a pre-menopausal lady into a post-menopausal one. The advantage is that then we can offer a different form of hormone therapy (tab Anastrazole or Letrozole--Aromatase inhibitors) since these drugs can only be given after menopause. However, tamoxifen can be given both before and after menopause and is equally effective. Thus there is no rationale for the kind of treatment being offered to you. I am an oncologist who has been practising for several years now. All you need to take is Tamoxifen for 5 years.
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Will Zoladex Reduce Recurrence Of Breast Cancer If Taken With Tamoxifen?

There is no role for taking Inj Zoladex alongwith Tamoxifen. Zoladex is given to suppress ovarian function and effectively convert a pre-menopausal lady into a post-menopausal one. The advantage is that then we can offer a different form of hormone therapy (tab Anastrazole or Letrozole--Aromatase inhibitors) since these drugs can only be given after menopause. However, tamoxifen can be given both before and after menopause and is equally effective. Thus there is no rationale for the kind of treatment being offered to you. I am an oncologist who has been practising for several years now. All you need to take is Tamoxifen for 5 years.