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Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
10:36

Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer

Published on: March 17, 2016

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Sex hormone receptor repertoire in breast cancer

Gerald M Higa1, Ryan G Fell

  • 1Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA ; Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, One Medical Center Drive, P.O. Box 9520, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.

International Journal of Breast Cancer
|December 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This review examines estrogen receptor alpha (ER α) signaling in breast cancer treatment. It also explores the potential roles of estrogen receptor beta (ER β) and androgen receptors in hormone-dependent cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Estrogen receptor alpha (ER α) is a primary target in endocrine therapy for breast cancer.
  • ER α status is crucial for predicting treatment response and patient prognosis.
  • The roles of estrogen receptor beta (ER β) and androgen receptors in breast cancer are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the receptor-mediated actions of sex hormones in breast cancer.
  • To highlight the significance of ER α in endocrine-sensitive and hormone-dependent breast cancers.
  • To discuss the potential involvement of ER β and androgen receptors in breast cancer phenomena.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on sex hormone receptors in breast cancer.
  • Analysis of the role of ER α signaling in therapeutic interventions.
  • Exploration of discordant observations potentially linked to ER β and androgenic actions.

Main Results:

  • ER α is the most significant predictive factor for endocrine therapy response.
  • ER α presence in tumor cells has prognostic value.
  • The clinical relevance of ER β and androgen receptors requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding sex hormone receptor actions is vital for improving breast cancer treatment strategies.
  • Further research into ER β and androgen receptor functions may reveal new therapeutic targets.
  • Incomplete knowledge of regulatory molecules and resistance mechanisms hinders novel therapeutic development.

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