What Are SERMs – Selective Estrogen-Receptor Modulators?
What Are SERMs – Selective Estrogen-Receptor Modulators?After primary treatment for estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer, you may need to take a SERM to help prevent recurrence. Learn about SERMs, and their benefits and risks.Answer: SERMs are selective estrogen-receptor modulators, or drugs that block the naturally circulating estrogen in breast tissues and other estrogen-sensitive tissues in your body. SERMs block natural estrogen by getting into the estrogen receptors before your own estrogen can get into place and signal the cells to grow and spread. If you’ve had estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer, your oncologist may prescribe a SERM as a follow-up treatment, taken as a daily pill for five years after primary treatment. SERMs are called “selective” because they bind to particular estrogen receptors. This selective binding action is sometimes called estrogen inhibition, or estrogen suppression. SERMs do not prevent the pro
Related Questions
- Where do selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) now fit into breast cancer treatment algorithms?
- Does this new information apply to Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMS) or phytoestrogens?
- What are the adverse side effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators?
