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ARTICLE |

Reserpine and Breast Cancer: A Perspective FREE

Hershel Jick, MD
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JAMA. 1975;233(8):896-897. doi:10.1001/jama.1975.03260080058025
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The possibility of a connection between reserpine and cancer of the female breast is currently the subject of much scientific debate and is also causing anxiety and concern among both physicians and patients. The origin of this debate and concern was the publication of three studies—conducted in the United States, Britain, and Finland—that pointed to a statistical association between reserpine use and breast cancer.1-3

The first study was suggested by data from a general purpose survey designed to assess possible relationships of many commonly used drugs to a variety of illnesses. The data came from patients hospitalized in the Boston area. The other two studies, prompted by the Boston findings, were specifically designed to determine whether or not a relationship existed between reserpine-like drugs and breast cancer.

The designs of these studies have been criticized, especially selections of the control series.4 However, such criticisms seem unjustified in the

REFERENCES

 Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program: Reserpine and breast cancer . Lancet 2:669-671, 1974;.
Armstrong B, Stevens N, Doll R:  Retrospective study of the association between use of rauwolfia derivatives and breast cancer in English women . Lancet 2:672-675, 1974;.
Heinonen OP, Shapiro S, Tuominen L:  Reserpine use in relation to breast cancer . Lancet 2:675-677, 1964;.
Immich H:  Rauwolfia derivatives and cancer , Letter to the Editor. Lancet 2:774-775, 1974;.
 Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program: Rauwolfia derivatives and breast cancer , Letter to the Editor. Lancet 2:1315-1316, 1974;.
Mack TM, Henderson BE, Gerkins VR, et al:  Reserpine and breast cancer in a retirement community . N Engl J Med 292:1366-1371, 1975;.

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Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature

Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal

 Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program: Reserpine and breast cancer . Lancet 2:669-671, 1974;.
Armstrong B, Stevens N, Doll R:  Retrospective study of the association between use of rauwolfia derivatives and breast cancer in English women . Lancet 2:672-675, 1974;.
Heinonen OP, Shapiro S, Tuominen L:  Reserpine use in relation to breast cancer . Lancet 2:675-677, 1964;.
Immich H:  Rauwolfia derivatives and cancer , Letter to the Editor. Lancet 2:774-775, 1974;.
 Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program: Rauwolfia derivatives and breast cancer , Letter to the Editor. Lancet 2:1315-1316, 1974;.
Mack TM, Henderson BE, Gerkins VR, et al:  Reserpine and breast cancer in a retirement community . N Engl J Med 292:1366-1371, 1975;.
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