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Signaling pathways and steroid receptors modulating estrogen receptor α function in breast cancer

Rasmus Siersbæk1, Sanjeev Kumar1,2, Jason S Carroll1

  • 1Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom.

Genes & Development
|September 6, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Estrogen receptor alpha (ER) drives most breast cancers. Understanding how other pathways affect ER function is crucial for overcoming drug resistance in ER-positive breast cancer patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Estrogen receptor alpha (ER) is a primary driver in approximately 75% of breast cancers.
  • Current ER-targeting therapies are standard for ER-positive breast cancer but often lead to relapse and metastatic disease.
  • Mechanisms of drug resistance are critical to understand for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review how non-estrogen signaling pathways modulate ER function.
  • To explore the impact of these pathways on ER-targeted drug resistance.
  • To discuss the clinical implications of these findings for breast cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways intersecting with ER.
  • Synthesis of information on mechanisms of drug resistance.

Main Results:

  • ER activity is modulated by various steroid receptors and signaling pathways, including growth factor and cytokine signaling.
  • These pathways contribute significantly to the development of resistance to endocrine therapies.
  • Understanding these interactions is key to identifying novel therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Modulation of ER function by diverse signaling pathways is a critical factor in breast cancer drug resistance.
  • Targeting these intersecting pathways may offer new avenues for overcoming resistance and improving treatment efficacy.
  • Further research into these mechanisms is essential for advancing ER-positive breast cancer therapy.
Keywords:
breast cancercross-talkcytokinesestrogen receptorgrowth factors

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