Re: Effect of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular events in recently postmenopausal women: randomised trial
It is unfortunate that the absolute risks and cancer event numbers are not clearly stated in this report. While the cardiovascular findings are reassuring, the study does not appear to be powered to exonerate hormone therapy as a risk factor for breast cancer.
My understanding is that the study had 50 breast cancer cases in total; a small number when compared with the 678 invasive breast cancer cases in the WHI(Chlebowski, JAMA 2010; 304: 1684-92).
Competing interests:
Authored papers within the DOPS study and papers in collaboration with the WHI investigators. Advisory boards for Nycomed and Amgen. Grant or research support from Novartis, Nycomed, Amgen, and Merck and speaker fees from Nycomed, Merck, Eli Lilly, and Amgen.
Rapid Response:
Re: Effect of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular events in recently postmenopausal women: randomised trial
It is unfortunate that the absolute risks and cancer event numbers are not clearly stated in this report. While the cardiovascular findings are reassuring, the study does not appear to be powered to exonerate hormone therapy as a risk factor for breast cancer.
My understanding is that the study had 50 breast cancer cases in total; a small number when compared with the 678 invasive breast cancer cases in the WHI(Chlebowski, JAMA 2010; 304: 1684-92).
Competing interests: Authored papers within the DOPS study and papers in collaboration with the WHI investigators. Advisory boards for Nycomed and Amgen. Grant or research support from Novartis, Nycomed, Amgen, and Merck and speaker fees from Nycomed, Merck, Eli Lilly, and Amgen.