[ PRINT ] [ Printing FAQ ] About OncoLink Editorial Board Sponsors Help See Today's OncoTip Usage Statistics Virtual Classroom Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute "Confronting Cancer Through Art" is an exhibition by people whose lives have been touched by cancer. This week we are featuring artwork by: Jacqueline Kniewasser Pontypool, Ontario Visit the Children's Art Gallery This week's artwork was donated by a pediatric cancer patient who received treatment for cancer at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

OncoLink FAQ: Efficacy of Tamoxifen for Metastatic Breast Cancer Last Revision Date: Sunday, 14-Feb-1999 13:54:29 EST Copyright © 1994-1999, The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania The following question is from an OncoLink reader who is concerned about the efficacy of the anti-cancer agent "tamoxifen". QUESTION: How can you tell if the anti-cancer drug you are taking is working? For, example, I am taking Tamoxifen for metastatic breast cancer. How will I know if it is effective? Many thanks, SV Ken Blank, MD, OncoLink Editorial Assistant, responds: Dear SV, Thank you for your question. The efficacy of any anti-cancer agent is measured by progression of disease. If the cancer grows while the patient is on the drug, the medication is deemed ineffective and may be discontinued. At times it may be difficult to monitor the growth of cancer. For example, a patient with breast cancer in the bone would require serial X-rays (every several months) of the involved bone to determine if the cancer is growing. Sometimes, however, the cancer will not appear on the X-rays. In this case the patient would require serial MRI or bone scans to follow the course of the cancer. In other patients, the efficacy of a drug can easily be determined. For example, a skin cancer visible to the patient and physician can be easily followed. For more information please see OncoLink's menu on breast cancer treatment options. Sincerely, Kenneth Blank, MD

GENERAL DISCLAIMER OncoLink is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

For further information, consult the Editors at: editors@oncolink.upenn.edu