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Glucocorticoids and Cancer

Miles A Pufall1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, 51 Newton Road, Bowen Science Building, Room 4-430, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA, miles-pufall@uiowa.edu.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 29, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Glucocorticoids (GCs) effectively treat lymphoid cancers by arresting growth and inducing apoptosis via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). This review details GC treatment protocols, mechanisms, and palliative uses in cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Estrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR) are oncogenic in breast and prostate cancers, respectively.
  • Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) differs, as GCs induce apoptosis and growth arrest in lymphoid tissues.
  • Current cancer therapies often target ER and AR, but GC efficacy in lymphoid cancers is established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review glucocorticoid (GC) treatment protocols for lymphoid cancers.
  • To elaborate on the mechanism of action of GCs in these malignancies.
  • To summarize the palliative applications of GCs in broader cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on glucocorticoid treatment protocols.
  • Analysis of scientific studies detailing the mechanism of action of GR in cancer.
  • Compilation of data on palliative uses of GCs across various cancer types.

Main Results:

  • Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a cornerstone therapy for lymphoid cancers, inducing apoptosis and growth arrest.
  • GC treatment efficacy varies among patients, and dosage is limited by side effects.
  • GCs also have palliative applications in managing symptoms of other cancers.

Conclusions:

  • Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) plays a crucial role in lymphoid cancer treatment, distinct from ER and AR in other cancers.
  • Understanding GC mechanisms can optimize treatment protocols and manage side effects.
  • Further research into GC action may expand their therapeutic and palliative roles in oncology.

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