SSRIs May Prevent Benefit of Tamoxifen in Breast Cancer Patients

According to new data presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology meeting this week, the use of antidepressants in breast cancer survivors may interfere with the benefit that the breast cancer treatment Tamoxifen provides, specifically, Tamoxifen's potential to prevent disease recurrence.

The study was a retrospective review of nearly 1,000 patient records, and it showed a near doubling of the risk for cancer recurrence in patients taking CYP2D6 pathway inhibiting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) within the first 2 years of beginning Tamoxifen therapy.

The science suggests a 'clinically significant drug interaction' between the cancer therapy and certain members of the SSRIs class of antidepressants. SSRIs such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil may be prescribed to help prevent hot flashes induced by Tamoxifen.

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Published on Jun-1-09