Tamoxifen for metastatic breast cancer – pro
This is an appropriate treatment but somewhat “behind the standard”. It is still quoted by various guidelines but most oncologists have switched to aromatase inhiitors. This patient ahs osteoporosis and tamoxifen was probably chosen for that reason; however, the greater tendency of aromatase inhibitors to promote osteoporosis is well handled usually with biphosphonates. In any case, tamoxifen is still an acceptable standard of care. An alternative is aromatase inhibitor with continued biphosphonates.
The newest breast cancer guidelines of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggest that for adjuvant hormonal therapy for postmenopausal women, the use of aromatase inhibition is preferred as a long-term prevention strategy over tamoxifen as a single agent.. However, it is still acceptable for metastatic breast cancer, though slightly inferior, as per, for example Cacnercare Ontario guidelines referenced below..
Nccn.org, breast cancer
http://www.cancercare.on.ca/pdf/pebc1-5s.pdf