Is Tamoxifen safer than Letrozole for stage 4 breast cancer?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had chemotherapy treatment for stage 4 breast cancer with bone metastasis. I have attached the PET scan reports. My last bone scan does not show any abnormality.

Does that mean cancer has gone away or has stopped growing?
Would you say the amount of location is significant or normal for BC with spread to bone metastasis?
What should I be worried about most?

I have been on Femara (Letrozole), but had severe reactions such as stumbling, aches, pains, and I am going to switch to Tamoxifen from next week. Should I be concerned about this?

Kindly guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I saw your positron emission tomography (PET) scan report (attachment removed to protect patient identity). If I were your oncologist, I would be very satisfied with the report.

Bone metastasis cannot completely disappear after treatment. They become less prominent. As I have mentioned, it is a very satisfying result for the treating doctor. Regarding reaction to Femara (Letrozole), normally it is a very safe drug, but reactions can occur in rare cases.

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is also a very effective drug. Your oncologist might try again with Femara after one to two years or even earlier. I think your treatment is on the right track. Follow the instructions of your oncologist. All the best.

Take care

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In breast cancer, even if it is a single lesion, it is considered metastatic. Yes, if multiple sites of bone are involved, then it is severe. However, it has no impact on prognosis compared to people who have few lesions.

If your chemotherapy and hormone therapy are effective, it will work on all the lesions. I think you are on the right track.

Take care.

Regards.