[Results of tamoxifen-medroxyprogesterone acetate sequential therapy in 22 patients with recurrent breast cancer].

Effects of tamoxifen (TAM)-medroxyprogesterone (MPA) sequential therapy were evaluated in 22 patients with recurrent breast cancer. TAM-MPA therapy was given in the form of TAM 20 mg b.i.d. for 14 days followed by MPA 1200 mg t.i.d. for the subsequent 14 days, in alternating sequence. The response rate was 27% (6/22). Weight gain (greater than 5 kg) was observed in 18% (4/22) and this incidence was lower than that reported for MPA therapy. These results demonstrate that TAM-MPA therapy offers fewer side effects than MPA therapy, but response rate is unlikely to be improved.