The drug tamoxifen may be just as effective at treating breast cancer when taken in lower doses, according to the results of a recent study. Furthermore, the lower dose may reduce the chances of uncommon but potentially life-threatening side effects of the drug, such as blood clots and endometrial cancer. According to researchers, because tamoxifen works by blocking estrogen receptors on breast cancer cells, patients need only take the minimal amount of tamoxifen necessary to block these receptors.

Researchers have identified a possible new gene involved with breast cancer, according to a study that was scheduled to be presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. The gene, called C35, was found in overabundance in more than 60% of breast cancer cases in the study. The gene is closely linked with a previously identified breast cancer gene, HER2 (also spelled HER2/neu). The researchers believe the finding could spark investigations into novel types of treatment which target the C35 gene.

Researchers have identified a gene that may help explain why African-American women do not respond as well to breast cancer treatment as white women. African-American women are three times more likely to develop aggressive-type breast cancers and significantly more likely to die from breast cancer than women of other ethnicities. Some researchers have suggested that this may be due to poorer access to mammography and less frequent breast cancer screenings among many African-American women. However, a recent study shows that a gene called BP1, present more often in African-Americans, may cause breast cancer cells to resist treatments.

Long term use of ibuprofen and aspirin may help prevent women from developing breast cancer, according to the results of a recent study. Researchers found that women who took two or more nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, per week for five to nine years reduced their risk of breast cancer by 21%, and the risk was reduced even more for women who took these drugs for more than 10 years. However, the researchers caution that more studies need to be conducted before physicians should recommend the routine, continuous use
of NSAIDs for the purpose of preventing breast cancer.

A preliminary study shows that the herbal remedy, black cohosh, may be dangerous when taken by women who are being treated with chemotherapy. Black cohosh is often taken to help relieve bothersome symptoms of menopause, particularly hot flashes. However, the study found that black cohosh may also increase the toxicity of chemotherapy, which in some cases, could be lethal. The researchers stress that women discuss with their physicians any vitamin, herbal, or other natural supplements they may be taking while undergoing breast cancer treatment.