Endocrine-responsive breast cancer and strategies for combating resistance

Nat Rev Cancer. 2002 Feb;2(2):101-12. doi: 10.1038/nrc721.

Abstract

Deaths from breast cancer have fallen markedly over the past decade due, in part, to the use of endocrine agents that reduce the levels of circulating oestrogens or compete with oestrogen for binding to its receptor. However, many breast tumours either fail to respond or become resistant to endocrine therapies. By understanding the mechanisms that underlie this resistance, we might be able to develop strategies for overcoming or bypassing it.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast / drug effects
  • Breast / growth & development
  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Estrogens / metabolism*
  • Estrogens / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Estrogen / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Estrogen / chemistry
  • Receptors, Estrogen / metabolism*
  • Tamoxifen / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Tamoxifen