Last reviewed · How we verify
Tamoxifen alone
Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that blocks estrogen binding to its receptor on breast cancer cells, inhibiting their growth.
Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that blocks estrogen binding to its receptor on breast cancer cells, inhibiting their growth. Used for Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (adjuvant and metastatic), Breast cancer prevention in high-risk women.
At a glance
| Generic name | Tamoxifen alone |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Nolvadex |
| Sponsor | Austrian Breast & Colorectal Cancer Study Group |
| Drug class | Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) |
| Target | Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Tamoxifen competitively binds to estrogen receptors (ER) on hormone-responsive breast cancer cells, preventing endogenous estrogen from activating these receptors and promoting cell proliferation. By blocking ER signaling, it induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ER-positive breast cancer cells. It has mixed agonist/antagonist activity depending on tissue type, acting as an antagonist in breast tissue but with some agonist effects in other tissues.
Approved indications
- Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (adjuvant and metastatic)
- Breast cancer prevention in high-risk women
Common side effects
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal discharge
- Nausea
- Vaginal bleeding
- Endometrial cancer
- Thromboembolic events
- Fatigue
Key clinical trials
- Finding the Best Tamoxifen Dose for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction in Premenopausal Women, RENAISSANCE Trial (PHASE2)
- New Treatment Strategies and Epigenetic Biomarker for Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (PHASE2)
- Longitudinal Sexual and Reproductive Health Study of Women With Breast Cancer and Lymphoma
- Selected Exercise Program on Upper Cross Syndrome Post-unilateral Mastectomy (NA)
- De-Escalation of Breast Radiation Trial for Hormone Sensitive, HER-2 Negative, Oncotype Recurrence Score Less Than or Equal to 18 Breast Cancer (DEBRA) (PHASE3)
- Tamoxifen and Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin for the Treatment of Patients With Metastatic or Inoperable, Locally Advanced Triple Negative Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
- PErsonalized TREatment of High-risk MAmmary Cancer - the PETREMAC Trial (PHASE2)
- Suppression of Ovarian Function With Either Tamoxifen or Exemestane Compared With Tamoxifen Alone in Treating Premenopausal Women With Hormone-Responsive Breast Cancer (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |