[Molecular aspects of different mechanisms of tamoxifen resistance]

N Bachmann-Moisson1, M Barberi-Heyob, J L Merlin

  • 1Laboratoire de recherche en oncologie, Centre Alexis-Vautrin, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France.

Bulletin Du Cancer
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer is a complex issue. Further research is needed to understand the multiple mechanisms contributing to treatment failure and identify new therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Context:

  • Tamoxifen is a primary endocrine therapy for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
  • Both de novo and acquired resistance to tamoxifen limit its long-term efficacy.
  • The precise mechanisms underlying tamoxifen resistance remain incompletely understood.

Purpose:

  • To review proposed mechanisms of tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer.
  • To highlight the multi-faceted nature of resistance involving estrogen receptor signaling pathways.

Summary:

  • Tamoxifen resistance may involve estrogen receptor alterations (loss/mutation), associated protein changes, estrogen response element modifications, increased antiestrogen binding sites, or altered tamoxifen metabolism.
  • These resistance mechanisms likely interact, suggesting a complex interplay of factors.
  • Current understanding necessitates continued investigation into these interconnected pathways.

Impact:

  • Elucidating tamoxifen resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing more effective breast cancer treatments.
  • Identifying key resistance pathways can guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
  • This research aims to improve outcomes for patients with resistant breast cancer.

Related Concept Videos

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors01:31

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors

Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu01:29

Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu

Genetic variations significantly influence drug response through pharmacokinetics, receptor interactions, and biologic milieu modifications. Pharmacokinetic alterations impact drug metabolism and clearance, affecting efficacy and toxicity. Variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, alter drug activation and elimination. For example, CYP2C9 loss-of-function variants require lower warfarin doses to prevent excessive bleeding, while CYP2C19 variants reduce clopidogrel...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase01:11

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...