Prognostic significance of oestrogen receptor beta in breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
Endocrine therapy for breast cancer is now well established and with the identification of a second oestrogen receptor, ERbeta, 3 years ago it is timely to review the possible significance of this receptor in breast cancer management.


METHODS
An up-to-date review of the current literature concerning the role and possible implications of ERbeta in human breast cancer was undertaken.


RESULTS
Wild-type and variant ERbeta are expressed in human breast tumours. Expression of ERbeta correlates with accepted prognostic indicators including lymph node status and tumour grade. Furthermore, levels of ERbeta messenger RNA alter during carcinogenesis and are upregulated in breast tumours that develop antioestrogen resistance.


CONCLUSIONS
ERbeta has potential as a novel clinical prognostic marker in breast cancer, particularly in determining tumours that are resistant to tamoxifen.
Speirs
V
V
Medical Research Laboratory and Academic Surgical Unit, University of Hull, Hull, UK.
Kerin
M J
MJ
D017398:Alternative Splicing; D015153:Blotting, Western; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000627:therapeutic use
D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D013629:Tamoxifen