Estrogen is implicated in the development of many breast cancers due to its grow

Question

Estrogen is implicated in the development of many breast cancers due to its growth-stimulating effects on mammary gland cells. Simple exposure to estrogen for a length of time (impossible to avoid if you are female) predisposes an individual to potential development of breast tumors. In post-menopausal individuals taking hormonal supplements, the risk of developing breast tumors increases due to the increased exposure to estrogen (thus estrogen supplementation for breast cancer survivors would be contraindicated). Tamoxifen is a drug that binds to estrogen receptors in the mammary gland cells and prevents estrogen from binding to the receptors. How would you classify this drug (in its relationship to estrogen)?

Explanation / Answer

Tamoxifin is called as selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) drug. This drug binds to the estrogen receptors causing confromational changes in estrogen receptors which in turn prevent binding of estrogen to these receptors.

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