Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Hormone replacement therapy and non-gynaecological cancers
1Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wrexham, North Wales.
Background:
There is lack of knowledge and awareness about HRT use in non-gynaecological cancer survivors. The decision to advocate or discourage HRT in such women depends on various factors, including cancer type, hormone sensitivity, and individual patient characteristics. The paucity of available good quality clinical evidence and epidemiological data leads to lack of consensus in such cases. This article aims to address this knowledge gap by conducting a comprehensive qualitative analysis of the existing literature pertaining to HRT use in non-gynaecological cancer survivors.
Materials And Methods:
We conducted a literature review. A systematic review was not possible because of lack of good quality research. We excluded case reports.
Results:
A total of 55 papers were identified and all of these have been referenced. We have presented the inconsistencies and uncertainties in the evidence available from the limited information available from cohort studies.
Conclusion:
Prescription of HRT in cancer survivors of many hormone dependent non-gynaecological cancers needs careful consideration of histology of the cancer and consideration about liaison with the concerned oncology team.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Tumor Immunotherapy
Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...

