A clinical research study is currently underway to see if low-dose tamoxifen can reduce the risk of breast cancer in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors with chest radiation.
Why Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors?
Women who received radiation therapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma that included the chest before age 30 have a 20-55 fold increased risk for developing breast cancer. Careful breast cancer screening is recommended for HL survivors, but there are currently no risk reduction options designed just for them.
Why Tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen is a drug that has been proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer by 50% in other women at high risk for developing breast cancer. More recently, data has shown that a lower dose may be better tolerated and just as effective.
What would I be asked to do?
- Screening for eligibility:
- Medical history, breast exam, and lab tests.
- If you are eligible:
- You will be given pills containing either placebo or 5mg of tamoxifen to take daily for two years.
- You will come back to the clinic every six months for a breast exam and a blood draw. Breast imaging will be performed as standard of care for your level of breast cancer risk.
- Breast tissue sampling will be performed at the beginning and at the end of the study.
Is it risky?
Common side effects reported with standard-dose tamoxifen include hot flashes and vaginal discharge, These have not been reported with low-dose tamoxifen. Other potential side effects will be discussed at your initial meeting.
Who can get involved?
Participants must be women at least 25 years old diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma at least 5 years ago. They must have received radiation to the chest prior to the age of 30 and remained recurrence-free for at least 5 years. Breast implants or hormone use is not allowed.
This study is only being conducted at select cancer centers in North America, including St. Jude, Emory, University of Michigan, and Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Canada. To see if you qualify, please contact the coordinating center at City of Hope:
Low Dose Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Trial
800-250-8430
HLsurvivortrial@coh.org
