Nolvadex is part of a group of medications called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). SERMs have both estrogenic (estrogen-like) effects and anti-estrogenic effects. Nolvadex has anti-estrogenic effects on the breasts, while it has estrogen-like effects on bones, helping to strengthen them.
Many
breast cancers are sensitive to the estrogen hormone, meaning that the tumor grows with the help of it. When a tumor is sensitive to estrogen, it has receptors on the outer surface of its cells, which estrogen fits into like a key opening a lock. When this connection is made, the cancer grows. Breast cancers that have estrogen (and/or progesterone) receptors are known as hormone receptor-positive tumors.
Nolvadex binds to estrogen receptors in the breast, preventing the hormone from binding. By decreasing these effects of estrogen, the drug can help decrease the growth of these breast cancers. This type of
breast cancer treatment is known as hormonal therapy.
Nolvadex Uses in Children
Nolvadex has been studied in girls ages 2 to 10 years old with McCune-Albright syndrome. This is a medical condition that involves several problems, including very early puberty (known medically as precocious puberty). It is not known if Nolvadex is safe and effective for this use for more than one year of use.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Nolvadex for something other than the condition listed in this article. At this time,
off-label Nolvadex uses include:
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