"No Increased Risk of Recurrence for Young Breast Cancer Patients Who Become Pregnant After Pausing Treatment"

Temporary Discontinuation of Tamoxifen Suggests Possibility of Combining Treatment and Pregnancy
Analysis of Big Data from 30,000 Korean Patients Shows No Difference in Recurrence Risk When Treatment Is Paused

A research study has found that temporarily discontinuing anti-hormone therapy for pregnancy and childbirth during breast cancer treatment does not increase the risk of cancer recurrence or death. This scientifically confirms the safety of pregnancy for women of childbearing age with breast cancer, which had been a major concern regarding the relationship between pregnancy and cancer recurrence.

Hanyang University Hospital medical staff. From the left, Professor Minsung Jung, Professor Jihwan Cha, Professor Boyoung Park from the Department of Preventive Medicine. Hanyang University Hospital

On March 30, Hanyang University Hospital announced that a surgical team led by Professor Minseong Jung analyzed the impact of interrupting tamoxifen therapy for pregnancy on breast cancer prognosis and drew these conclusions. The research results were published in the latest issue of the international journal "The Breast."

Hormone receptor-positive patients, who account for about 70% of all breast cancer cases, need to take tamoxifen for at least five years. Pregnancy during treatment has been considered a difficult choice. In particular, tamoxifen must be discontinued before pregnancy as it can affect the fetus, but many patients have given up pregnancy due to concerns about the risk of cancer recurrence when stopping treatment.

The research team used data from the National Health Insurance Service to analyze those who received tamoxifen therapy among approximately 30,000 female patients aged 18 to 45 who underwent breast cancer surgery from 2009 to 2014. Among them, 856 patients were selected based on pregnancy status and treatment patterns, and their long-term prognosis was compared over a median follow-up period of 11.5 years.

The results showed no significant difference in the risk of recurrence between patients who discontinued tamoxifen and became pregnant and those who continued treatment. Notably, among those who resumed therapy after experiencing pregnancy and childbirth, the risk of recurrence was less than half compared to those who continued treatment without interruption. Overall survival rates were also similar. In addition, about 75% of the patient group successfully delivered healthy babies, and the miscarriage rate was relatively low.

Professor Jung, who led the study, stated, "For young breast cancer patients, pregnancy and childbirth are issues as important as treatment itself." He added, "We have confirmed that it can be sufficiently safe to temporarily discontinue tamoxifen at the appropriate time and attempt pregnancy." He emphasized, "Since treatment and pregnancy planning may vary depending on the patient's age, tumor characteristics, and risk of recurrence, it is important to thoroughly discuss a personalized plan that includes fertility preservation with a specialist before starting treatment."

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