The effects of tibolone and oestrogen-based HT on breast cell proliferation and mammographic density.
Tibolone is a tissue-selective compound used for the treatment of climacteric symptoms and the prevention of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. In this review some in vitro data and clinical studies indicating that the effects of tibolone on breast tissue are different from those seen with oestrogen-based hormone therapy (HT) are briefly discussed. From a clinical perspective, an increase in mammographic density and breast cell proliferation should be regarded as an unwanted side-effect of HT. Efforts should therefore be made to define treatment regimens for post-menopausal women that have minimal effects on the breast but still maintain the many advantages of HT. Data suggest that tibolone may be such an alternative.
von Schoultz
B
B
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska Hospital, SE 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. bo.vonschoultz@ks.se
D001940:Breast / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D009652:Norpregnenes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004967:Estrogens; D009652:Norpregnenes; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; C027385:tibolone