Combining black cohosh with tamoxifen in breast cancer therapy
Anti-hormonal therapy of breast cancer patients with the anti-estrogen tamoxifen (Nolvadex) often induces or aggravates menopausal complaints.
Researchers at the University Hospital, in Zurich, Switzerland measured the response to black cohosh.
First, the details.
- 50 breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen were treated with an isopropanolic extract of black cohosh (1-4 tablets, 2.5 mg) for 6 months.
- Patients recorded their complaints before and after 1, 3, and 6 months of therapy using the menopause rating scale (MRS II).
- All patients had surgery, most had undergone radiation therapy (87%), and approximately 50% had received chemotherapy.
And, the results.
- The reduction of the total MRS II score under black cohosh treatment from 18 to 14 was statistically significant.
- Hot flashes, sweating, sleep problems, and anxiety improved.
- Urogenital and musculoskeletal complaints did not change.
- 90% reported the tolerability of the black cohosh extract as very good or good.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Black cohosh extract seems to be a reasonable treatment approach in tamoxifen treated breast cancer patients with predominantly psychovegetative (eg, sleep) symptoms.”
Too bad they didn’t include a placebo group.
1/25/11 21:34 JR
