Tamoxifen-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: where are we now and where are we going?

Tamoxifen is a cheap and effective estrogen-receptor antagonist, used as the adjuvant hormonal treatment of choice in women with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may increase the demand on oncologists, not only with regard to screening for diabetes, but also for the suggested link of NASH with high incidence of coronary heart disease. At present, there is no guideline for treatment of hyperlipidaemia associated with tamoxifen-induced NASH. However, exemstane (and other aromatase inhibitors) has been shown to lower triglyceride and have a neutral effect on low-denisty lipoprotein and cholesterol levels. These may be alternative agents if severe progressive liver disease or hyperlipidaemia were encountered with tamoxifen administration. Other lipid-lowering medications may have potential benefits in the treatment of tamoxifen-induced NASH and is discussed in this article.