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Prospects for the treatment of endocrine-responsive tumours
1Therapeutic Research Department, Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Cheshire, UK. stephen.green@alderley.zeneca.com
Abstract:
Much has been achieved over the last 30 years to improve the treatment of hormone-dependent cancer of the breast, ovary and prostate. The development of the antioestrogen tamoxifen (Nolvadex) spear-headed a range of drugs that counter the growth-promoting action of the female and male sex steroid hormones. An important additional benefit of endocrine therapies has been their low toxicity compared with conventional cancer chemotherapy thereby providing effective treatment with few serious side-effects and a sustained quality of life. Although some currently available therapies improve patient disease-free survival and overall survival, particularly when given in an adjuvant setting, they are not cures. There is, therefore, a continued need to develop newer therapies that extend the effectiveness of those currently available. This is particularly important when tumours either fail to respond or develop resistance to endocrine therapy. In this review, we examine how our improved understanding of the factors that influence the progression of endocrine-related tumours is leading to the development of novel therapies to treat both hormone-dependent and -independent tumours.
Insights
Significant advancements in endocrine therapies like tamoxifen have improved hormone-dependent cancer treatment. Newer treatments are needed to overcome resistance and improve survival for breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hormone-dependent cancers (breast, ovarian, prostate) have seen improved treatments over 30 years.
- Endocrine therapies, such as tamoxifen, effectively counter sex steroid hormones with low toxicity.
- Current therapies improve survival but are not cures, necessitating further development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in endocrine therapies for hormone-dependent cancers.
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies for endocrine-resistant tumors.
- To discuss the development of treatments for both hormone-dependent and -independent tumors.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on endocrine therapies.
- Analysis of factors influencing endocrine-related tumor progression.
- Examination of novel therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Tamoxifen and similar drugs have significantly advanced cancer treatment.
- Endocrine therapies offer improved quality of life due to low toxicity.
- Understanding tumor progression factors drives new therapy development.
Conclusions:
- Despite progress, endocrine therapies are not curative for hormone-dependent cancers.
- New treatments are essential to address tumor resistance to endocrine therapy.
- Advances in understanding tumor biology are paving the way for innovative cancer treatments.