[Hormone dependence of colorectal carcinomas]

The question of a possible hormonal control of colorectal cancer growth can be examined by several different approaches. At the present time epidemiological studies do not give a conclusive answer to this problem. The demonstration of functionally active peptide hormone receptors on colon cancer cell lines may play a role in a subgroup of receptor-positive tumors only. At the present time a classical endocrine mode of action of peptide hormones can be excluded. However, there is a possibility of a "hormonal control" of colorectal carcinomas by so-called "growth factors". In this system the expression of a stimulating growth factor, the demonstration of a specific receptor, the blocking of the effect by receptor antagonists or growth factor antibodies and the demonstration of a functional activity have been fulfilled. The multiple relations between cellular protooncogenes and growth factors on the level of the ligand itself, the receptors, or the intracellular signal transduction connect the process of malignant transformation with hormonal control of growth regulation. This connection might offer a basis for a more causal therapy of colon carcinomas within the near future.