Dr. Matthew J. Ellis: strategy and challenges in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer treatment

Background: Estrogens are essential for the growth of breast cancer in the case of premenopausal as well as in postmenopausal women. However, most of the breast cancer incidences are reported in postmenopausal women and the concurrent risk surges with an increase in age. Since the enzyme aromatase catalyses essential steps in estrogen biosynthesis, Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) are effective targeted therapy in patients with Estrogen Receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. AIs are more effective than Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) because they block both the genomic and nongenomic activities of ER. Till date, first, second and third-generation AIs have been approved by the FDA. The third-generation AIs, viz. Letrozole, Anastrozole, Exemestane, are currently used in the standard treatment for postmenopausal breast cancer. Methods: Data were collected from Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct through searching of keywords: ‘aromatase’, ‘aromatase inhibitors’, ‘breast cancer’, ‘steroidal aromatase inhibitors’, ‘non-steroidal inhibitors’ and ‘generations of aromatase inhibitors’. Results: In the current scenario of breast cancer chemotherapy, AIs are the most widely used agents which reveal optimum efficacy along with the least side effects. Keeping in view the prominence of AIs in breast cancer therapy, this review covered the detailed description of aromatase including its role in the biosynthesis of estrogen, biochemistry, gene expression, 3D-structure, and information of reported AIs along with their role in breast cancer treatment. Conclusion: AIs are the mainstream solution of the ER+ breast cancer treatment regimen with the continuous improvement of human understanding of the importance of a healthy life of women suffering from breast cancer.

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Toronto Workshop on Late Recurrence in Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer: Part 1: Late Recurrence: Current Understanding, Clinical Considerations

JNCI Cancer Spectrum ◽

10.1093/jncics/pkz050 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ryan J O Dowling ◽

Kevin Kalinsky ◽

Daniel F Hayes ◽

Francois-Clement Bidard ◽

David W Cescon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Estrogen Receptor ◽

International Workshop ◽

Recurrence Risk ◽

Late Recurrence ◽

Current Understanding ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Related Factors ◽

Estrogen Receptor Positive ◽

Positive Breast Cancer

Abstract Disease recurrence (locoregional, distant) exerts a significant clinical impact on the survival of estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer patients. Many of these recurrences occur late, more than 5 years after original diagnosis, and represent a major obstacle to the effective treatment of this disease. Indeed, methods to identify patients at risk of late recurrence and therapeutic strategies designed to avert or treat these recurrences are lacking. Therefore, an international workshop was convened in Toronto, Canada, in February 2018 to review the current understanding of late recurrence and to identify critical issues that require future study. In this article, the major issues surrounding late recurrence are defined and current approaches that may be applicable to this challenge are discussed. Specifically, diagnostic tests with potential utility in late-recurrence prediction are described as well as a variety of patient-related factors that may influence recurrence risk. Clinical and therapeutic approaches are also reviewed, with a focus on patient surveillance and the implementation of extended endocrine therapy in the context of late-recurrence prevention. Understanding and treating late recurrence in estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer is a major unmet clinical need. A concerted effort of basic and clinical research is required to confront late recurrence and improve disease management and patient survival.

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