A menopause drug commonly used to ease hot flashes and other symptoms may also help reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer, early clinical trial results from Northwestern University suggest.

The phase 2 study involved 141 postmenopausal women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive breast cancer that can raise the risk of developing invasive tumors later in life. Half of the participants received the drug Duavee — a combination of estrogen and bazedoxifene — for one month before surgery, while the rest were given a placebo.

Researchers found that those who took Duavee showed significantly lower breast tissue cell growth by the time of surgery, with no negative impact on their quality of life.

“What excites me most is that a medication designed to help women feel better during menopause may also reduce their risk of invasive breast cancer,” said lead investigator Dr. Swati Kulkarni.

Unlike traditional hormone therapies, which can raise breast cancer risk, Duavee may offer a safer alternative for women with both menopausal symptoms and elevated cancer risk. The drug also avoided many of the side effects seen with other cancer treatments.

While larger studies are needed to confirm its long-term protective effects, the researchers say the findings suggest Duavee could be a promising option for this group of patients.

The results were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting.