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Published on: October 10, 2025
[Advances of targeted therapy based on estrogen receptor signaling pathway in lung cancer]
Liqiang Xu1, Yongde Liao, Hexiao Tang
1Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
Abstract:
Increasing evidence indicates that estrogen promotes tumor growth in both estrogen target organs and non-target organs. Estrogen regulates cell proliferation and differentiation via two different receptors, estrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ). In recent decades, with the clarification of the ERα-mediated signaling pathways in breast cancer, targeted therapy through these pathways have successfully been used in clinical application. Tamoxifen, the classic representative, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Along with the elucidation of the role of estrogen in the pathophysiology of lung cancer, targeted lung cancer treatment based on the ER signaling pathways is also gradually being applied and it could become an important part of the comprehensive treatment for lung cancer.
Insights
Estrogen promotes tumor growth via estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). Targeted therapies, like tamoxifen (a SERM), are effective for breast cancer and emerging for lung cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Estrogen's role in tumor growth extends beyond target organs.
- Estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) mediate cellular processes.
- ERα signaling is well-understood in breast cancer, leading to targeted therapies.
Purpose:
- To review the role of estrogen signaling in tumor development.
- To highlight the application of targeted therapies based on estrogen receptors in cancer treatment.
Summary:
- Estrogen influences cell proliferation and differentiation through ERα and ERβ.
- Targeted therapies exploiting ERα pathways, such as tamoxifen (a selective estrogen receptor modulator - SERM), are clinically successful in breast cancer.
- Emerging research elucidates estrogen's role in lung cancer, paving the way for ER-targeted treatments.
Impact:
- Estrogen receptor-targeted therapies offer new avenues for cancer treatment.
- Understanding estrogen signaling is crucial for developing comprehensive cancer care strategies.
- Targeted therapies are becoming integral to managing both breast and lung cancers.
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