While it is reasonable that such women would also experience a decreased risk of breast cancer with tamoxifen, no specific gene testing has been done. I would like to emphasize, however, that there are many important considerations as to how new knowledge about genetics can and should be made a part of medical decision-making that further complicate this process. This study is not an end. It is rather a very propitious beginning. But it tells us that it is possible to prevent breast cancer.
Tamoxifen is far from ideal.
Its efficacy is only partial and it has significant risks. To move forward will require new agents and new clinical trials. Newer selective estrogen receptor modifiers are being developed and will be tested. The NCI hopes to be able to follow this study soon with additional clinical trials to find answers to the many questions that remain. Thank you, Mr Chairman, for your continued support for cancer research.