DNA-CONTENT IN ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMA OF TAMOXIFEN-TREATED BREAST-CANCER PATIENTS

DNA measurements and histopathologic evaluation were performed in 17 p atients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen for early breast cancer and wh o developed endometrial carcinoma during or after the tamoxifen therap y. The tumors were exclusively characterized by euploid DNA content ex cept for two cases, one mixed mesodermal sarcoma, a highly malignant a nd rare tumor, and one adenocarcinoma. Although the use of adjuvant ta moxifen therapy most likely enhances the risk of developing endometria l carcinoma, the beneficial effects of adjuvant breast cancer treatmen t is of well-known clinical importance. The hazards of giving long-ter m tamoxifen seem to be low since the endometrial tumors were associate d with low-grade malignancy and euploid DNA pattern.