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Estrogen Receptor Beta (ERβ) Expression in Colorectal Cancer (CRC)-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) expression decreases in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and correlates with disease progression. Lower ERβ levels indicate a poorer prognosis and suggest ERβ activation as a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) is present in normal colon tissue and may function as a tumor suppressor.
- Reduced ERβ expression is linked to advanced stages of colorectal cancer (CRC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ERβ expression and CRC progression.
- To quantify differences in ERβ expression between tumor and normal tissues, and between early and late-stage tumors.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar.
- A meta-analysis of six case-control studies (13 sub-studies, 1183 patients) was performed using Comprehensive Meta-analysis.
- Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals; heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed.
Main Results:
- ERβ expression was significantly lower in advanced CRC stages compared to normal mucosa and early stages (OR=0.211, p<0.0001).
- Positivity rates for ERβ were 76.40% in controls/early-stage vs. 51.31% in all tumor stages.
- High heterogeneity (I²=78%) was noted, but sensitivity analysis confirmed result robustness; publication bias was not significant.
Conclusions:
- ERβ expression is significantly reduced in CRC and declines with disease progression.
- ERβ may serve as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer.
- Targeting ERβ activation presents a potential novel therapeutic approach for CRC.
