Prophylactic effect of tamoxifen against induction of mammary carcinoma

Tamoxifen (TAM) is a potent anticancer agent known to interrupt the enhanced estrogen activity of malignant mammary gland cells, The mechanism of tamoxifen’s anti-tumor activity is primarily due to its anti estrogen action. Female Swiss albino mice were used in the present study and divided into:normal control group, two Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) control groups [treated interaperitonealy(IP) and subcutaneously (Sc)], tamoxifen treated only group, tamoxifen pre treated then EAC (S.C) injected group and tamoxifen pre treated then EAC (I.P) injected group. The present results showed a significant decrease in tumor volume and a significant increase in the survival time in the pre-treated group compared to untreated group. There was a pathological change in the uterine tissues of the tamoxifen treated mice in the form of squamous metaplasia and dysplasia of glandular epithelial . The kidney tissues showed a minimal pathological change in the form of a focal renal lesion in the renal tubular epithelium. in conclusion the present study showed that tamoxifen has a prophylactic effect against experimental mammary carcinoma. And exerts some side effects on the histopathological structure of the uterine and kidney tissues.