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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

An Ex vivo Model to Study Hormone Action in the Human Breast
12:31

An Ex vivo Model to Study Hormone Action in the Human Breast

Published on: January 8, 2015

Current status of hormone receptors in human breast cancer

J P Neifeld

    Virginia Medical
    |February 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Measuring estrogen receptor status in breast cancer patients is crucial for improving endocrine therapy response rates. This approach helps tailor treatments for metastatic breast cancer, enhancing patient outcomes.

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Oncology
    • Molecular Biology

    Background:

    • Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treatment often involves endocrine manipulation.
    • Improving patient response rates to endocrine therapy remains a significant clinical challenge.
    • Understanding steroid hormone mechanisms is key to optimizing MBC treatment.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To explore the mechanisms of steroid hormone action in MBC.
    • To evaluate the utility of receptor assays in predicting endocrine therapy response.
    • To advocate for routine estrogen receptor (ER) status measurement in all breast cancers.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of current research on steroid hormone action.
    • Discussion of the clinical value of receptor assays.
    • Recommendation for specific biomarker testing.

    Main Results:

    • Estrogen receptor (ER) status is a critical determinant of endocrine therapy efficacy.
    • Receptor assays provide valuable prognostic and predictive information.
    • Measurement of ER status can guide treatment decisions for MBC.

    Conclusions:

    • Routine measurement of estrogen receptor status is recommended for all breast cancer patients.
    • ER status assessment is vital for selecting appropriate endocrine-based treatments.
    • This practice can enhance treatment response and outcomes in metastatic breast cancer.

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