Comparative Effects of Tamoxifen and Anastrozole on Lipid Profile and Liver Enzymes in Patients with Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer has emerged as one of the most common malignancies diagnosed among women worldwide. Hormone therapy with Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors is an essential part of the treatment for estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer patients. This study evaluated the effect of Tamoxifen and anastrozole on the plasma lipid profile and liver enzymes.Method: A total of 93 pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer patients were divided into two groups: tamoxifen and anastrozole. All patients had undergone surgery and were randomized to receive tamoxifen 20 mg once daily (n=50) or anastrozole 1 mg once daily (n=43). Lipids and liver enzymes were measured at baseline and after six months of follow-up.Results: Total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels significantly decreased in patients treated with tamoxifen at 6 months, while anastrozole caused a significant increase in TC and LDL. Moreover, TC and LDL levels were significantly decreased in pre-and postmenopausal patients of the tamoxifen group. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels increased significantly in premenopausal patients who received tamoxifen compared to postmenopausal patients. Tamoxifen group was associated with a significant elevation in both aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels compared to anastrozole group.Conclusion: Tamoxifen treatment has a favorable effect on lipid profiles in both pre-and postmenopausal women compared to anastrozole. However, tamoxifen is associated with an increase in liver function tests.