Hormonal breast cancer agents: implications for the primary care provider.

PURPOSE: Over 2 million breast cancer survivors are in the United States, making women with breast cancer the largest group of cancer survivors. The purpose of this article is to review the current knowledge regarding survivorship issues in women with early-stage, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, focusing on advances in hormonal therapies for reducing risk of recurrence.

DATA SOURCES: Published research studies, clinical treatment guidelines, and ongoing clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Innovations in antiestrogenic and estrogen modulator therapies are an important aspect of ongoing care after primary breast cancer treatment. Primary care providers may play an important role in monitoring potential complications of antiestrogenic treatment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This article reviews the current state of the science in hormonal breast cancer agents for breast cancer survivors. With the high incidence and prevalence of breast cancer, primary care providers need to be aware of the potential short- and long-term health risks and benefits of hormonal therapies for breast cancer survivors.