Treatment and prevention of benign breast disease with 4-hydroxy tamoxifen

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for treating and preventing benign breast disease by administering 4-hydroxy tamoxifen to a patient. When percutaneously administered to a patient's breasts, 4-hydroxy tamoxifen concentrates locally, and exerts an anti-estrogenic effect. In patients with benign breast disease, this effect induces disease regression. In patients at risk for developing breast cancer, the anti-estrogenic effect prevents formation of benign breast conditions that can lead to cancer.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the treatment and prevention of benign breast disease with 4-hydroxy tamoxifen (4-OHT). Background technique [0002] Benign breast disease refers to common, nonmalignant abnormalities in breast tissue. These aberrations consist of numerous lesions with well-defined histologic features and can be classified as proliferative or nonproliferative. Notable examples include adenosis, cyst, ductal dilatation, fibroadenoma, fibrocystic disease, fibrosis, hyperplasia, and metaplasia. Benign breast disease is estrogen-related and thus primarily affects adult premenopausal women. In these populations, benign breast disease can interfere with childbirth and contraception, and current treatment options negatively impact patients' quality of life. [0003] Although benign breast disease rarely poses a direct threat to the patient's health, it often causes persistent emotional anxiety and physical pain. In particular, benign lesi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The risk of developing breast cancer is further increased when the presence of benign breast disease is combined with a family history of breast cancer

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