Philip J. Disaia, MD

In their recent commentary (Oncology 23:639-641, 2009), Labriola and colleagues reviewed the data on “natural” hormone replacement and breast cancer risk. The “natural” agents were bioidentical and phytoestrogen supplements to manage vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer patients.

The article by Castiel highlights the benefits and potential risks of estrogen replacement in cancer patients. For patients with malignancies that are not “estrogen sensitive,” adding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to the therapeutic regimen can only improve quality of life.