Low-Dose tamoxifen may shield radiation survivors from breast cancer

NCT ID NCT01196936

Ongoing Prevention Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

BREAST CANCER

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

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