Pregnancy during adjuvant tamoxifen therapy: A case of temporary interruption and postpartum metastatic recurrence

Authors

  • Dr. Morris Maganjo University of Nairobi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nairobi, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7075-0200
  • Professor Rose Kosgei University of Nairobi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Dr. Humphrey Obwaya University of Nairobi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nairobi, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0827-4116
  • Dr. Allan Ikol Kenyatta National Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nairobi, Kenya https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4879-9792
  • Dr. Maurine Mutua University Health Services, University of Nairobi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59692/jogeca.v37i3.420

Keywords:

breast cancer, endocrine therapy, metastasis, pregnancy, tamoxifen

Abstract

Background: Limited data exist regarding recurrence risk in pregnant women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who temporarily discontinue endocrine therapy.

Case presentation: A 37-year-old gravida 4, para 3, presented for antenatal care at 13 weeks’ gestation while on adjuvant tamoxifen, which she had taken for two months before conception. Examination revealed a fundal height of 18 weeks and a healed mastectomy scar. Ultrasonography confirmed a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy. Tamoxifen was discontinued, and pregnancy proceeded uneventfully until spontaneous preterm delivery at 34 weeks. Both neonates were clinically normal. Tamoxifen was resumed postpartum; however, 5 months after delivery, the patient developed metastatic recurrence and subsequently succumbed.

Conclusion: Pregnancy during breast cancer is not uncommon and poses complex clinical challenges. A multidisciplinary team is key to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Keywords: breast cancer, endocrine therapy, metastasis, pregnancy, tamoxifen

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Morris Maganjo, University of Nairobi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nairobi, Kenya

    Resident,

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

    University of Nairobi

  • Professor Rose Kosgei, University of Nairobi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nairobi, Kenya

    Prof. Rose Jepchumba Kosgei

    MBChB, MMed (Obs/Gyn), Fell. Gyn Onc, MSc (Clinical Trials), PhD

    Associate Professor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology 

    Coordinator Gyn. Onc Fellowship Program

    University of Nairobi 

  • Dr. Humphrey Obwaya, University of Nairobi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nairobi, Kenya

    Resident,

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

    University of Nairobi

  • Dr. Allan Ikol, Kenyatta National Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nairobi, Kenya

    Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist,

    Maternal fetal specialist

    Kenyatta National Hospital

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Published

2025-09-30

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 3 (2025): JOGECA Volume 37 issue 3

Section

Case report

Categories

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Morris Maganjo, Professor Rose Kosgei, Dr. Humphrey Obwaya, Dr. Allan Ikol, Dr. Maurine Mutua

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Pregnancy during adjuvant tamoxifen therapy: A case of temporary interruption and postpartum metastatic recurrence. (2025). Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Eastern and Central Africa, 37(3), 108-112. https://doi.org/10.59692/jogeca.v37i3.420

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