Low-Dose tamoxifen may shield radiation survivors from breast cancer

NCT ID NCT01196936

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase IIB trial tests whether a low dose of tamoxifen (a hormone-blocking drug) can reduce breast cancer risk in people who received chest radiation therapy before age 40. The study involves 84 survivors and measures changes in breast density as a risk indicator. If successful, it could lead to a simple prevention strategy for this high-risk group.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

tamoxifen citrate (low-dose)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a way to lower breast cancer risk for people who had chest radiation as children or young adults.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial (84 people) testing a surrogate marker (breast density), not cancer itself. Results may not confirm real risk reduction, and tamoxifen can cause side effects like hot flashes and blood clots.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast neoplasm breast cancer prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • City of Hope Medical Center

    Duarte, California, 91010, United States

  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • MD Anderson

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • Mayo Clinic

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

  • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

    Seattle, Washington, 98109, United States

  • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    Memphis, Tennessee, 38105, United States

  • University Health Network, Toronto

    Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States

  • University of Chicago

    Chicago, Illinois, 60637, United States

  • University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus

    Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States

  • University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-5718, United States

  • University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

  • Wake Forest University

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States