Treatment for diffuse benign breast diseases

Timely treatment for benign breast dysplasia (BBD) should be considered as a cancer prevention measure.

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of BBD treatment with the non-hormonal herbal remedy indole carbinol (Indinol Forto).

Materials and methods: A total of 150 women aged 30–49 years were comprehensively examined using breast examination and sonography and mammography. The patients were divided into 2 groups. A study group consisted of 75 women with BBD: with benign changes (according to Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System 2 (BI-RADS 2), manifested as small cysts (up to 10 mm), as well as duct ectasias concurrent with cyclical mastalgias. All the patients were prescribed combination treatment, including concomitant measures. The study group women took indole carbinol-based drugs to treat BBD. A comparison group included 75 women with benign changes (BI-RADS 2), who refused drug treatment for various reasons.

Results: Minor mammographic density was noted in 69.3% of the study group patients and in 34.7% of the comparison group (p<0.001); moderate one was seen in 26.6 and 42.7%, respectively (p=0.040). Severe mammographic density was determined in 2.7% of cases in the study group and in 13.3% of those in the comparison group (p=0.017); pronounced one was observed in 1.3% and 9.3% in these groups, respectively (p=0.030).

Conclusion: Indinol Forto is shown to be highly effective in treating BBD. Combined with concomitant measures, 6-month therapy with this drug substantially reduces mammographic density. The drug is well tolerated and has no adverse side effects. It can be recommended for widespread use as a first-line drug in women with increased breast density.