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Updated: Nov 29, 2025

Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
Reconsidering Aromatase for Breast Cancer Treatment: New Roles for an Old Target
Jessica Caciolla1, Alessandra Bisi1, Federica Belluti1
1Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126 Bologna, Italy.
Abstract:
The current therapeutic approach for the treatment of hormone dependent breast cancer includes interference with estrogen receptors via either selective modulators or estrogens deprivation, by preventing their biosynthesis with aromatase inhibitors. Severe side effects and acquired resistance are drawbacks of both drug classes, and the efforts to overcome these issues still allow for research in this field to be animated. This review reports on recent findings that have opened new avenues for reconsidering the role of aromatase enzymes (and estrogen receptors) leading to the possibility of looking at well-known targets in a new perspective.
Insights
Current breast cancer therapies targeting estrogen receptors or biosynthesis face side effects and resistance. Recent findings offer new perspectives on aromatase enzymes and estrogen receptors for improved treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hormone-dependent breast cancer treatment relies on estrogen receptor modulation or deprivation via aromatase inhibitors.
- Existing therapies, including selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs), present challenges such as severe side effects and acquired resistance.
- These limitations necessitate ongoing research for alternative and improved therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on aromatase enzymes and estrogen receptors in hormone-dependent breast cancer.
- To explore novel therapeutic avenues by reconsidering the roles of these well-established targets.
- To provide a new perspective on existing treatment strategies for breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific findings.
- Analysis of research on aromatase enzymes and estrogen receptors.
- Synthesis of information to identify new therapeutic possibilities.
Main Results:
- Recent research has uncovered new insights into the function and regulation of aromatase enzymes and estrogen receptors.
- These findings suggest potential for novel therapeutic approaches beyond current standards of care.
- A re-evaluation of these targets may lead to overcoming resistance and mitigating side effects.
Conclusions:
- Emerging research offers a fresh perspective on aromatase enzymes and estrogen receptors for breast cancer treatment.
- These new insights may pave the way for more effective therapies with reduced adverse effects.
- Further investigation into these reconsidered targets holds promise for advancing breast cancer care.
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