V. Craig Jordan, PhD, the ‘Father of Tamoxifen,’ Dies at 76

V. Craig Jordan, PhD, a professor of breast medical oncology and molecular and cellular oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and the 2018 Giants of Cancer Care® award winner for translational science advances, who is credited with the discovery of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and contributing to the development of other breast cancer treatments, died at his home in Houston on June 9, 2024. He was 76.¹

In 1973, Jordan was the first to demonstrate that tamoxifen (Soltamox) could prevent mammary cancer in mouse models, earning him the moniker “The Father of Tamoxifen.” Previously, the agent was being examined as an estrogen blocker to prevent pregnancy. Evaluation of tamoxifen in humans began in 1974, and it was approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with advanced breast cancer in 1977. Subsequently, it was placed on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines and is still among the most successful anticancer therapeutics.^1,2

“Dr Jordan leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to influence cancer research and treatment for generations to come,” Peter WT Pisters, MD, MHCM, president of MD Anderson, said in the news release.¹ “Craig’s passing is a profound loss to the scientific community and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.”

Jordan was born on July 25, 1947, in New Braunfels, Texas. He held dual American and British citizenship. Jordan’s mother was from England, and his father was from Dallas; his parents met in England as his father was serving in the military during World War II.^1,2

Jordan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Leeds in England in pharmacology in 1969. In 1973, he graduated again from the university with a PhD in pharmacology. Tamoxifen was the subject of his doctoral dissertation, and he continued his research into the agent as a potential treatment for patients with breast cancer.¹

“Thirty years ago, many women didn’t survive a breast cancer diagnosis,” Debu Tripathy, MD, chair of breast medical oncology at MD Anderson, said in the news release.¹ “Dr Jordan’s research of tamoxifen has led to improved survival rates in hormone receptor­positive breast cancer, [reduced] the rate of breast cancer recurrence, and reduced the risk of developing breast cancer in high-risk individuals. Today, more than 40% of women survive a breast cancer diagnosis.”

During his time at the University of Leeds, Jordan joined the Officers’ Training Corps and volunteered for courses in chemical and biological warfare. He was then recruited into the British Army’s Intelligence Corps and became the youngest captain in the service. He also received weapons and intelligence training when he joined the British Special Air Service.¹

Beyond tamoxifen, Jordan contributed to the development of other SERMs, including raloxifene (Evista) and bazedoxifene (Duavee). These agents are among the 5 FDA-approved SERMs. Today, SERMs are used for the treatment of patients with all stages of breast cancer, as well as for breast cancer risk reduction in high-risk women, osteoporosis treatment, painful intercourse alleviation, and menopausal symptom relief.¹

In 1987, Jordan demonstrated that tamoxifen and raloxifene maintained bone density and prevented mammary cancer in mouse models. Subsequently, his findings led to a clinical trial which confirmed that tamoxifen prevents decreases in bone density in 1992. Then, in 1999, raloxifene was shown to maintain bone density and reduce breast cancer incidence in postmenopausal women. Jordan was the chair of the breast cancer committee that examined raloxifene for the treatment of patients with osteoporosis.

Jordan was a fellow of the British Pharmacological Society and a member of the American Society for Pharmacological and Experimental Therapeutics; he was also elected to the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine in 2009 and 2017, respectively. For his contributions to the breast cancer field, Queen Elizabeth II named him Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2002. In 2019, she appointed him Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George for his services to women’s health.

Jordan was the Dallas/Ft. Worth Living Legend Chair for Cancer Research at MD Anderson and joined the institution in 2014. He previously held positions at the University of Leeds, Switzerland's Ludwig Institute, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Northwestern University, Fox Chase Cancer Center, and Georgetown University.

A celebration of life service for Jordan is scheduled for July 25, 2024, at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons in Houston. Jordan is survived by Helen Turner and Alexandra Noel, who are his daughters, as well as his 5 grandchildren.

“Dr Jordan's impact extended far beyond his scientific achievements. As an educator and mentor, he inspired and shaped the careers of countless young researchers, sharing his knowledge, passion, and unwavering dedication, Gabriel N. Hortobagyi, MD, FACP,Nellie B. Connally Chair in Breast Cancer and a professor of breast medical oncology at MD Anderson, said in the news release.1 “His compassionate nature made him a beloved figure among his colleagues and students, who remember him not only as an exceptional scientist but also as a kind and caring individual.”

References

1. MD Anderson celebrates the life and legacy of V. Craig Jordan, Ph.D. News release. MD Anderson Cancer Center. June 12, 2024. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.mdanderson.org/newsroom/md-anderson-celebrates-the-life-and-legacy-of-v-craig-jordan-PhD.h00-159698334.html
2. Langer E. V. Craig Jordan, father of breast cancer drug tamoxifen, dies at 76. The Washington Post. July 19, 2024. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2024/07/19/v-craig-jordan-breast-cancer/