Episode 237 - Beyond Tamoxifen and AIs: Are SERDs the New Kids on the Block? - Navigating Menopause After Cancer | Lyssna här

What if tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors weren’t the only options?

For many people with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, endocrine therapy can be lifesaving – but it can also be incredibly difficult to live with. Joint pain, sleep problems, sexual health changes, bone health, weight and metabolic changes can all have a significant impact on day-to-day life.

And for some, the question becomes: what else is there?

In this episode, Dani is joined by oncologist Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, author of Beyond the Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer, to explore the changing landscape of breast cancer treatment and survivorship.

One of the big topics is SERDs – a newer generation of endocrine therapies that are creating a lot of interest in the breast cancer world. What are they? How are they different from tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors? What did we learn from the LIDERA study? And could having more endocrine treatment options eventually make a meaningful difference for patients struggling with side effects?

But, as always, this isn't only about the science.

Dani also sits down with Rachel Bowman, breast cancer survivor and Director at Menopause and Cancer, to mull over what all of this actually means when you’re the person taking these treatments

Dr Teplinsky also shares the thinking behind her new book, Beyond the Pink, which brings together evidence-based, practical information about the questions people often don't have enough time to explore during an oncology appointment.

Here are the links mentioned in this episode:

Find Dr Teplinsky’s new book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/beyond-the-pink/eleonora-teplinsky/9781538777145

Watch this Substack video with Dr Teplinsky on Serds: https://drteplinsky.substack.com/p/ob-gyn-x-oncologist-session-2-asco

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:31 Discussing rising early-onset cancers with Dr Teplinsky

09:05 Discussing limitations of current treatments

11:46 Uncertainty with new treatments

16:26 Acknowledging emotional struggles post-chemo

19:10 Evolving breast cancer treatment

22:07 Cancer treatment advancements discussion with Rachel

24:06 Discussing cancer drug availability