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Breast cancer: current and future endocrine therapies
Carlo Palmieri1, Darren K Patten2, Adam Januszewski3
1The University of Liverpool, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK; Liverpool & Merseyside Breast Academic Unit, The Linda McCartney Centre, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK; Academic Department of Medical Oncology, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Wiral CH63 4JY, UK.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|August 13, 2013
Summary
Endocrine therapy, including tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, is key for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Research explores optimal duration and novel combinations to overcome treatment resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Endocrine therapy is a cornerstone in treating estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer.
- Standard adjuvant tamoxifen therapy (5 years) improves survival, with extended durations (10 years) and aromatase inhibitors showing promise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current endocrine therapies for early and advanced ER+ breast cancer.
- To explore novel therapeutic targets and agents that modulate resistance pathways and adrenal steroidogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical studies and trials on endocrine therapy for breast cancer.
- Analysis of mechanisms of endocrine resistance and strategies to overcome them.
- Examination of recent data on combination therapies, including mTOR inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Recent data support 10 years of adjuvant tamoxifen over 5 years.
- Combination of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus with endocrine therapy has redefined metastatic treatment.
- Emerging strategies target pathways of resistance and adrenal steroidogenic hormones.
Conclusions:
- Optimal duration of adjuvant endocrine therapy is still under investigation.
- Combination therapies, particularly with mTOR inhibitors, show significant impact in advanced disease.
- Future research directions include targeting resistance mechanisms and adrenal steroid hormones for improved breast cancer treatment.
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