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Updated: Mar 19, 2026

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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Estrogen Receptor-β and the Insulin-Like Growth Factor Axis as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Triple-Negative

Nalo Hamilton1, Diana Marquez-Garban2, Vei H Mah3

  • 1UCLA School of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA; UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA.

Critical Reviews in Oncogenesis
|June 10, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive and lacks targeted therapies. This review explores estrogen receptor beta-1 (ERβ1) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family roles, suggesting metformin as a potential treatment for TNBC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolism

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for nearly half of breast cancer deaths, disproportionately affecting premenopausal women, African-Americans, and BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.
  • TNBC is characterized by a lack of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 amplification, leading to poor response to standard chemotherapy and higher rates of distant metastasis.
  • The aggressive nature and limited treatment options for TNBC necessitate the development of novel targeted therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current scientific understanding of the roles of estrogen receptor beta-1 (ERβ1) and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family in TNBC.
  • To highlight potential therapeutic strategies targeting the IGF-ERβ1 pathway for TNBC management.
  • To discuss the potential benefits of metformin as a treatment for patients with TNBC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing scientific studies on ERβ1, IGF family, and metformin in the context of TNBC.
  • Analysis of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved.
  • Synthesis of current research findings to identify therapeutic opportunities.

Main Results:

  • Estrogen receptor beta-1 (ERβ1) and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family play significant roles in TNBC development and progression.
  • The IGF-ERβ1 pathway presents a promising target for novel therapeutic interventions.
  • Metformin shows potential as an adjuvant therapy for TNBC, possibly through its effects on metabolism and signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the ERβ1 and IGF pathways offers a promising avenue for developing new treatments for TNBC.
  • Metformin may represent a valuable therapeutic option for TNBC patients, warranting further clinical investigation.
  • Further research into the IGF-ERβ1 pathway is crucial for advancing TNBC treatment strategies.

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