tamoxifen

Definition of tamoxifen citrate

tamoxifen citrate

(tuh-MOK-sih-FEN SIH-trayt)
A drug used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women and men, to prevent invasive breast cancer in women who have had ductal carcinoma in situ (abnormal cells in the ducts of the breast), and to prevent breast cancer in women who are at a high risk of developing the disease. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Tamoxifen citrate blocks the effects of the hormone estrogen in breast tissue, which may help keep breast cancer cells from growing. It is a type of selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Tamoxifen is the active ingredient of tamoxifen citrate. Also called Soltamox.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms