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Updated: Aug 29, 2026
An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Oestrogen suppression--lessons from clinical studies
1Department of Oncology, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway. per.lonning@helse-bergen.no
Abstract:
In few, if any, areas of cancer research has "translational research" played a role such as the one it has played in the development of endocrine therapy. Thus, much of the understanding of the mechanisms of action of different therapies has been achieved by developing novel hypotheses based on clinical observations. Ovarian ablation was developed as an empirical therapy long before characterization of oestrogen disposition or detection of the oestrogen receptor. The first-generation aromatase inhibitor, aminoglutethimide, was implemented as a strategy to achieve a 'medical adrenalectomy' and was discovered as an aromatase inhibitor subsequent to clinical observations. Currently, observations such as the lack of cross-resistance between aromatase inhibitors and inactivators and the diverse effects from combined therapy using tamoxifen in concert with hormonal suppression in pre- and post-menopausals are provoking interesting questions for further research.
Insights
Translational research in endocrine therapy development relies heavily on clinical observations to uncover treatment mechanisms. This approach has led to key discoveries, such as ovarian ablation and aromatase inhibitors, driving further cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Translational Research
Background:
- Translational research significantly impacts endocrine therapy development in cancer.
- Clinical observations have historically driven the understanding of therapeutic mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of clinical observations in advancing endocrine cancer therapy.
- To explore current research questions arising from endocrine therapy insights.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical development of endocrine therapies based on clinical findings.
- Analysis of current observations regarding aromatase inhibitors and combination therapies.
Main Results:
- Ovarian ablation was an empirical therapy preceding mechanistic understanding.
- Aminoglutethimide's aromatase inhibition was discovered post-clinical observation.
- Lack of cross-resistance and diverse effects of combined therapies prompt new research.
Conclusions:
- Clinical observations are crucial for hypothesis generation in endocrine cancer therapy.
- Further research is needed to understand resistance mechanisms and optimize combination therapies.
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