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Updated: May 8, 2026

Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
Estrogen receptor α roles in breast cancer chemoresistance
Chao-Yang Xu1, Zhi-Nong Jiang, Ying Zhou
1Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital of Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, China. shaoxinghlm@126.com
Abstract:
Resistance to chemotherapy treatment, which may lead to limited efficacy of systemic therapy in breast cancer patients, is multifactorial. Among the mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy treatment, there are those closely related to estrogen receptor α, P-glycoprotein, multidrug resistance-related protein, glutathione S-transferase pi and topoisomerase-II. ERα is ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates gene expression and plays a critical role in endocrine signaling. In previous preclinical and clinical studies, positive ERα expression in breast cancer cells was correlated with decreased sensitivity to chemotherapy. This article reviews current knowledge on the predictive value of ERα with regard to response to chemotherapy. Better understanding of its role may facilitate patient selection of therapeutic regimens and lead to optimal clinical outcomes.
Insights
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression in breast cancer cells is linked to reduced chemotherapy sensitivity. Understanding ERα
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chemotherapy resistance limits systemic therapy efficacy in breast cancer.
- Mechanisms of resistance include factors like estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), P-glycoprotein, and others.
- ERα is a ligand-activated transcription factor crucial for endocrine signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the predictive value of ERα expression in breast cancer response to chemotherapy.
- To elucidate the role of ERα in chemotherapy resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of existing knowledge on ERα expression and chemotherapy sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Positive ERα expression in breast cancer cells has been correlated with decreased sensitivity to chemotherapy.
- ERα plays a significant role in the mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the predictive value of ERα is crucial for chemotherapy response.
- Targeting ERα or utilizing its predictive value may optimize patient selection for therapeutic regimens.
- Improved understanding can lead to better clinical outcomes in breast cancer treatment.
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