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Mechanisms of hormone resistance in breast cancer

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Summary

At least half of all advanced breast cancers are positive for estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), but many nevertheless fail to respond to endocrine therapy. Studies of breast cancer cell lines and breast tumor specimens are beginning to reveal molecular heterogeneity of the receptors in subpopulations of these cells, leading to altered receptor function and sometimes to hormone resistance. Here we will review the data on molecular and cellular heterogeneity involving ER and PR, and possible underlying mechanisms of resistance to tamoxifen and progestins.

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  1. Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 East 9th Avenue, Box B151, 80262, Denver, Colorado, USA

    Kathryn B. Horwitz Ph.D.

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Horwitz, K.B. Mechanisms of hormone resistance in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Tr 26, 119–130 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00689685

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