Tamoxifen in the treatment of male breast carcinoma.

Twenty-four patients with advanced carcinoma of the male breast have been treated with tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex). An objective regression rate of 37.5% was obtained, with five complete and four partial responses. In addition, two patients had stabilisation of their disease for 24 months each. Regression of disease was noted in soft-tissue disease, bone and lung metastases. The duration of response ranged from 8 months to 60 months with a mean of 21 months. In view of the singular lack of side-effects and the age group of the patients (mean age 63 years), it is suggested that tamoxifen should be the first line of endocrine therapy before orchidectomy or adrenalectomy.