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Randomized comparison of tamoxifen versus diethylstilbestrol in estrogen receptor-positive or -unknown metastatic breast cancer: a Southeastern Cancer Study Group trial.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Gockerman, JP; Spremulli, EN; Raney, M; Logan, T
Published in: Cancer Treat Rep
October 1986

In a randomized study 115 postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer who were estrogen receptor-unknown or -positive were treated initially with tamoxifen or diethylstilbestrol (DES). Their pretreatment characteristics showed no significant difference. The frequency of response was identical with tamoxifen and DES, showing a complete response rate of 2% versus 2% and a partial response rate of 4% versus 8%, respectively; stable disease was present in 78% versus 73% of the patients, respectively. The median time to disease progression (5 vs 6 months) and median survival depending on initial hormone therapy (34 vs 35 months) were identical for tamoxifen and DES, respectively. Gastrointestinal toxicity was more frequent and more severe with DES than tamoxifen. Responses were seen with withdrawal of each agent and on crossover to the alternative agent. Our conclusions are that: DES and tamoxifen are equally effective in treating metastatic breast cancer in the postmenopausal patient who is estrogen receptor-positive or -unknown; withdrawal and crossover responses are seen with both agents; side effects are minimal but more frequent with DES; and on the basis of cost-effectiveness DES is the preferable agent.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Cancer Treat Rep

ISSN

0361-5960

Publication Date

October 1986

Volume

70

Issue

10

Start / End Page

1199 / 1203

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Tamoxifen
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Random Allocation
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Middle Aged
  • Humans
  • Female
  • Diethylstilbestrol
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Breast Neoplasms
 

Published In

Cancer Treat Rep

ISSN

0361-5960

Publication Date

October 1986

Volume

70

Issue

10

Start / End Page

1199 / 1203

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Tamoxifen
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Random Allocation
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Middle Aged
  • Humans
  • Female
  • Diethylstilbestrol
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Breast Neoplasms