[Selective estrogen receptors modulators (SERMs): biochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical use in gynecology].

The selective strogen receptors modulators (SERMs) were initially developed as antistrogens for the treatment of breast cancer, but their unusual properties have led to their use in the treatment and prevention of other diseases as well. SERMs bind the strogen receptor (ER) and modulated ER-mediated gene transcription. Tamoxifen is an effective treatment for hormone responsive breast cancer and can prevent breast cancer in high-risk women. Raloxifene was approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, also appears to prevent breast cancer. Other SERMs are in development, with the goal of improving efficacy and reducing toxicity.