Brief communication: tamoxifen therapy for nonmalignant retroperitoneal fibrosis.
BACKGROUND
Anecdotal case reports suggest tamoxifen as a possible treatment for retroperitoneal fibrosis, but a systematic assessment of its effect is not available.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the course and outcomes of patients with nonmalignant retroperitoneal fibrosis treated with tamoxifen.


METHODS
Prospective, consecutive series.


METHODS
Single tertiary care referral center.


METHODS
19 patients with nonmalignant retroperitoneal fibrosis treated with tamoxifen from April 1998 through April 2005.


METHODS
Tamoxifen, 20 mg orally twice daily.


METHODS
Clinical improvement, laboratory variables, and follow-up computed tomography (CT) and gallium scan findings.


RESULTS
Fifteen patients reported substantial resolution of symptoms after a median treatment duration of 2.5 weeks. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein also improved. Gallium scanning at follow-up showed incomplete disappearance of pathologic gallium-67 activity. Repeated CT scanning showed slow but steady mass regression in 14 of 15 clinical responders. Five patients failed treatment, including 1 patient who improved clinically. Disease recurred in 1 patient who responded to reintroduction of tamoxifen. One patient developed reversible hepatitis.


CONCLUSIONS
This small observational study did not have a control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Tamoxifen may be a viable therapeutic option in the treatment of retroperitoneal fibrosis.
van Bommel
Eric F H
EF
Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands. e.f.h.vanbommel@asz.nl
Hendriksz
Tadek R
TR
Huiskes
Antonius W L C
AW
Zeegers
Antoine G M
AG
D000368:Aged; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012185:Retroperitoneal Fibrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D013629:Tamoxifen; D002097:C-Reactive Protein