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Hormones and receptors in gastrointestinal malignancies
1Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, N.H.
Abstract:
Receptors for several polypeptide hormones have been demonstrated in cells of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. Some of these polypeptides stimulate or inhibit cell division. Therefore, these receptors have been sought in carcinomas arising from these tissues, and several examples have been reported. In some instances, stimulation of tumor growth by the corresponding ligand has been demonstrated or blocked by a receptor antagonist. In experimental carcinogenesis, the incidence of tumors has been influenced by some of the same hormones. Receptors and binding proteins for steroid hormones also have been reported in carcinomas of the pancreas. Manipulation of sex steroid hormones has yielded both inhibition and enhancement of growth of human and rat pancreatic cancers. These observations imply that trophic or growth inhibiting polypeptide and steroid hormones may serve as promoters or inhibitors of carcinogenesis in gastrointestinal organs and may influence the growth of established carcinomas. Receptor blockers may provide a clinical approach for slowing the growth of some gastrointestinal cancers.
Insights
Hormone receptors in gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancers influence tumor growth. Blocking these receptors may offer a new strategy for slowing cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hormone receptors are present in gastrointestinal and pancreatic cells.
- Some hormones influence cell division and tumor development.
- Receptors for polypeptide and steroid hormones are found in gastrointestinal and pancreatic carcinomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of hormone receptors in gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancers.
- Explore the potential of hormone receptor antagonists in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on hormone receptors in gastrointestinal and pancreatic tissues.
- Analysis of studies investigating the effect of hormone manipulation on cancer growth.
Main Results:
- Hormone receptors are present in gastrointestinal and pancreatic carcinomas.
- Hormone manipulation can stimulate or inhibit tumor growth.
- Receptor antagonists have shown potential in blocking tumor growth.
Conclusions:
- Polypeptide and steroid hormones can act as promoters or inhibitors in carcinogenesis.
- Targeting hormone receptors may be a viable clinical approach for managing gastrointestinal cancers.