Home Treatment options Systematic treatment Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy

This treatment can be administered to patients with a tumour expressing oestrogen and/or progesterone receptors. The choice of the medication class will depend on the patient’s medical history and her menopausal status. 

For pre-menopausal women, Tamoxifen will usually be proposed for a minimum period of 5 years. In some cases with a high risk of recurrence, the medication may be associated with ovarian function suppression. 

In post-menopausal women, studies have shown benefits deriving from the use of Aromatase Inhibitors (AI) compared to Tamoxifen in patients with a hormone-sensitive breast cancer. However, in patients with cancer at low risk of recurrence, Tamoxifen remains a good therapeutic option. 

Studies assessing the benefit of an extension of hormone therapy beyond 5 years suggest that it should be continued in many cases. 

A switch over from Tamoxifen to an Aromatase Inhibitor may be recommended after 2 years of treatment in a patient with proven menopause. However, before starting treatment with an Aromatase Inhibitor, the following recommendations are made: a bone densitometry should be performed on the patient, she should receive calcium and vitamin D supplementation and she should be encouraged to engage in physical activity. If necessary, for women in natural or artificial menopause, the indication of treatment with Bisphosphonates or Denosumab should be assessed.