American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 162, 613-616, Copyright © 1994 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Regression of breast cancer in four patients treated with tamoxifen: mammographic features
C Taylor and D Georgian-Smith
Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, OH 45267-0772.
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the regression of
breast cancer as seen on mammograms of women treated with tamoxifen.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Four elderly patients 72-88 years old were diagnosed
with breast cancer on the basis of mammographic features. No surgery was
performed because of multiple medical problems. Tamoxifen was initiated and
the patients were closely monitored with physical examination and
mammography for a minimum of 2 years. RESULTS. In all cases, the features
of malignancy seen on mammograms regressed. These results were documented
by a decrease in the number of calcifications and in the size of spiculated
masses. CONCLUSION. These results suggest that tamoxifen, or one of its
metabolites, may alter the biochemical nature of breast cancer.