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Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
Tamoxifen acts as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) to inhibit estrogen's action on breast cancer cells.
Tamoxifen acts as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) to inhibit estrogen's action on breast cancer cells. Used for Adjuvant treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive disease, Treatment of metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive disease.
At a glance
| Generic name | Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Nolvadex |
| Sponsor | AstraZeneca |
| Drug class | Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) |
| Target | Estrogen receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
By binding to estrogen receptors, tamoxifen blocks estrogen's ability to promote the growth of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. This leads to a reduction in tumor size and slowing of disease progression. Additionally, tamoxifen has been shown to have some estrogen-agonist effects in other parts of the body, such as the uterus, where it can help prevent cancer.
Approved indications
- Adjuvant treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive disease
- Treatment of metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive disease
Common side effects
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal discharge
- Endometrial cancer
Key clinical trials
- Acolbifene Versus Low Dose Tamoxifen for the Prevention of Breast Cancer in Premenopausal Women at High Risk for Development of Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
- Finding the Best Tamoxifen Dose for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction in Premenopausal Women, RENAISSANCE Trial (PHASE2)
- Drug Repurposing in Thyroid Carcinoma: a Feasibility Trial (PHASE1)
- Tamoxifen Citrate or Z-Endoxifen Hydrochloride in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic, Estrogen Receptor-Positive, HER2-Negative Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
- A Study of Elacestrant Versus Standard Endocrine Therapy in Women and Men With ER+,HER2-, Early Breast Cancer With High Risk of Recurrence (PHASE3)
- Letrozole After Tamoxifen in Treating Women With Breast Cancer (PHASE3)
- Hormone Therapy With or Without Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Women Who Have Undergone Surgery for Node-Negative Breast Cancer (The TAILORx Trial) (PHASE3)
- Low Dose Tamoxifen With or Without Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction (PHASE2)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- AstraZeneca portfolio CI