Estrogen carcinogenesis in breast cancer

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2011 Sep;40(3):473-84, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2011.05.009. Epub 2011 Jun 29.

Abstract

Many studies have reported a correlation between elevated estrogen blood levels and breast cancer and this observation has raised controversy concerning the long-term use of hormonal replacement therapy. This review will not address further this controversial topic; but rather, this review focuses on the role of estrogen signaling in first, the normal development of the breast and second, how alterations of this signaling pathway contribute to breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Carcinoma / etiology*
  • Carcinoma / genetics
  • Carcinoma / metabolism
  • Estrogens / adverse effects
  • Estrogens / metabolism
  • Estrogens / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / etiology
  • Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / genetics
  • Receptors, Estrogen / genetics
  • Receptors, Estrogen / metabolism
  • Receptors, Estrogen / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Receptors, Estrogen