ADJUVANT TAMOXIFEN IN BREAST-CANCER-TREATMENT IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN- OCCURRENCE OF THROMBOEMBOLIC COMPLICATIONS

Of 441 postmenopausal breast cancer patients who received adjuvant tam oxifen, 19 had thromboembolic accidents (4.3%). All were in remission when thrombosis occurred. One patient died of bilateral pulmonary embo lism. In the other cases, thromboembolic disorders were found to be re versible after the withdrawal of tamoxifen and anticoagulant treatment . Some patients had a history of vascular disorders, and others requir ed prolonged bed rest which may have contributed as an aggravating cir cumstance to thrombotic events. Our study suggests that thromboembolic risk factors as well as potential vascular disorders induced by aggra vating conditions have to be carefully examined in postmenopausal pati ents treated by adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. This is especially true in women with lobular breast cancer and aged more than 60 years.