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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
12:31
An Ex vivo Model to Study Hormone Action in the Human Breast
Published on: January 8, 2015
Progesterone and breast cancer.
1University of Minnesota, Cancer Center, Department of Medicine (Hematology, Oncology & Transplantation), 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 806, MN 55455, USA. lange047@umn.edu
Women'S Health (London, England)
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Progesterone (PR) is vital for breast development and reproductive functions. Its role in breast cancer remains understudied and controversial, despite its known actions in other tissues and hormone therapies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Progesterone is an ovarian steroid hormone crucial for breast development and reproductive functions.
- Progesterone acts via progesterone receptors (PR)-A and -B isoforms in various tissues, including the brain, breast, and reproductive organs.
- Progestins are used in contraception and hormone replacement therapy, often with estrogen to prevent endometrial proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on the role of progesterone receptor (PR) action in breast cancer.
- To discuss the challenges in defining the precise role of progesterone in breast cancer development and progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing evidence on progesterone and breast cancer.
- Analysis of studies investigating progesterone receptor (PR) action in breast cancer.
Main Results:
- Estrogen's role as a breast mitogen is well-established, with estrogen receptor inhibitors being effective cancer therapies.
- Progesterone receptor (PR) action in breast cancer is significantly understudied and remains a controversial area.
- Evidence regarding PR's specific role in breast cancer is limited and requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- The role of progesterone and its receptors in breast cancer requires further comprehensive research.
- Clarifying PR's function is essential for understanding its potential therapeutic implications in breast cancer treatment.
- Addressing the controversies and knowledge gaps surrounding PR in breast cancer is a critical next step.
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