CRC Department of Medical Oncology, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, M20 4BX, Manchester, UK. maria.parker@christie-tr.nwest.nhs.uk
Anti-oestrogen therapy, tamoxifen in particular, has revolutionised the treatment of breast cancer. However, the partial agonist activity of tamoxifen is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer and the acquisition by patients of tamoxifen-resistance. In an attempt overcome these negative aspects of tamoxifen therapy, 'pure' anti-oestrogens have been developed and are currently being investigated for the treatment of breast cancer.