Background: Tamoxifen, a synthetic nonsteroidal anti-estrogen known to modulate the production of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), has demonstrated effectiveness on fibroblast activity in vitro and in vivo. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of tamoxifen on the outcome of surgery for Dupuytren contractures in patients with a strong predisposition toward fibrosis.
Methods: We used a prospective, randomized, double-blind study protocol (conforming to the CONSORT standards) to investigate the influence of tamoxifen compared with placebo on the total passive extension deficit in the finger and patient satisfaction after subtotal fasciectomy in thirty patients with a strong predisposition toward fibrosis (grade, >4 according to the Abe scale). High-dosage tamoxifen (80 mg/day) was administered from six weeks prior until twelve weeks after surgery, and patients were monitored for two years.
Results: Three months after surgery, patients in the tamoxifen group had a smaller total passive extension deficit and higher satisfaction compared with the placebo group. This positive effect was lost over the two years following cessation of the medication.
Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the short-term outcome of Dupuytren disease treatment could be influenced by use of tamoxifen as a neoadjuvant from six weeks prior to three months after subtotal fasciectomy in patients with a strong predisposition toward fibrosis. However, the beneficial effect disappeared within two years after surgery, with worsening of the contractures after the medication was discontinued. Thus, tamoxifen may have a short-term effect on the outcome of surgery for Dupuytren disease.