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Role of steroid receptor and coregulator mutations in hormone-dependent cancers
Abstract:
Steroid hormones mediate critical lineage-specific developmental and physiologic responses. They function by binding their cognate receptors, which are transcription factors that drive specific gene expression programs. The requirement of most prostate cancers for androgen and most breast cancers for estrogen has led to the development of endocrine therapies that block the action of these hormones in these tumors. While initial endocrine interventions are successful, resistance to therapy often arises. We will review how steroid receptor-dependent genomic signaling is affected by genetic alterations in endocrine therapy resistance. The detailed understanding of these interactions will not only provide improved treatment options to overcome resistance, but, in the future, will also be the basis for implementing precision cancer medicine approaches.
Insights
Steroid hormones are crucial for cancer growth, but resistance to endocrine therapies targeting them is common. Genetic changes in steroid receptor signaling drive this resistance, impacting cancer treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Genomics
Background:
- Steroid hormones regulate vital cellular functions and are implicated in hormone-dependent cancers like prostate and breast cancer.
- Endocrine therapies targeting steroid hormone action are initial treatments for these cancers.
- Therapy resistance is a significant clinical challenge, often linked to genetic alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how genetic alterations affect steroid receptor-dependent genomic signaling in endocrine therapy resistance.
- To explore the implications of these alterations for developing improved cancer treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on genetic alterations and their impact on steroid receptor signaling pathways.
- Analysis of genomic data related to endocrine therapy resistance in various cancers.
Main Results:
- Genetic alterations in steroid receptors and associated signaling pathways are key mechanisms of endocrine therapy resistance.
- These alterations can lead to sustained or altered gene expression, promoting cancer progression despite treatment.
Conclusions:
- Understanding genetic alterations in steroid receptor signaling is crucial for overcoming endocrine therapy resistance.
- This knowledge will facilitate the development of targeted therapies and precision medicine approaches for hormone-dependent cancers.
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