Breast cancer chemoprevention: a review of selective estrogen receptor modulators

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among women in the United States. Chemoprevention plays an important role for women at high risk for developing breast cancer. The use of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) tamoxifen and raloxifene has demonstrated mixed results in breast cancer prevention clinical trials. In the United States, tamoxifen is approved for use for breast cancer prevention in women at high risk. The continued development of SERMs with improved side-effect profiles is needed. Oncology nurses play a pivotal role in helping patients to understand the current status of breast cancer prevention as well as the future direction of research.