Controlled trial of tamoxifen as a single adjuvant agent in the management of early breast cancer. 'Nolvadex' Adjuvant Trial Organisation.

At a maximum follow up of 8 years (median 5 years 6 months) in a randomised trial of adjuvant tamoxifen versus no treatment as therapy for early breast cancer, a significant advantage persists for patients receiving 20 mg of tamoxifen daily for 2 years. This advantage is independent of menopausal status, stage, grade and ER status. Log hazard rate analysis fails to demonstrate a rebound effect on stopping the drug and suggests that more prolonged treatment might further improve results.