8.2.6 Hormone responsive breast cancer

First line drugs

Second line drugs

Specialist drugs

Secondary care drugs

Traffic light status (TLS) explained:

Green: Routine prescribing within licensed indication
Amber 1: specialist recommendation followed by GP initiation and continuation
Amber 2: specialist or GP initiation in line with local guideline after 1st line failure followed by GP continuation
Amber 3: specialist initiation and stabilisation followed by GP continuation
Amber SCG: specialist initiation and stabilisation followed by GP continuation in line with an agreed shared care guideline
Red: Hospital or specialist prescribing only

Anti-oestrogens

Note:

A dose of 20mg daily substantially increases survival in early breast cancer, no further benefit has been demonstrated with higher doses. Patients should be told of the small risk of endometrial cancer and encouraged to report relevant symptoms early. They can, however, be reassured that the benefits of treatment far outweigh the risks.