Tamoxifen as an alternative to surgical resection for selected geriatric patients with primary breast cancer
R. G. Margolese and R. S. Foster Jr
Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Thirty elderly patients with primary operable breast cancer were treated
initially, because of refusal of surgery or because of infirmity, only with
the antiestrogen tamoxifen citrate. Nineteen patients had regression of the
primary tumor (complete in five and partial in 14). Eight patients were
stable with no change, and three had measurable increases in the size of
their primary tumors. Nine of the 30 eventually required locoregional
treatment with surgery or radiotherapy for progression or recrudescence of
their tumors after initial regression. No patient developed uncontrollable
locoregional disease. For selected geriatric patients, treatment with
tamoxifen alone permits a delay of surgery, which for some exceeds life
expectancy.
