Health
HT linked to breast cancer recurrence
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Feb. 23, 2004
A Swedish study looking at the impact of hormone therapy on breast cancer survivors has been suspended early because researchers noticed an increase in recurrence for the disease, according to a research letter published in The Lancet this month.
The HABITS trial, "Hormonal replacement therapy after breast cancer diagnosis -- is it safe?" was intended to be a five-year trial but was ended in September 2003 after only two years because 26 out of 174 women receiving HT had a breast cancer recurrence. This number is compared to seven out of 171 in the control group who had a recurrence.
Subgroup analysis according to receptor status, tamoxifen treatment and use of HT before the study began did not result in statistical significance for any of these factors, although there was some indication that those with hormone receptor-positive cancers may have been at higher risk. Researchers cautioned, however, that the numbers were too small to draw conclusions on that matter.
Researchers intend to continue following the subjects for the full five years even though the trial has officially been stopped.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/02/23/hlbf0223.htm.
