The estrogen receptor: a model for molecular medicine.
The identification of the estrogen receptor (ER) in the laboratory provided a mechanism to describe the target site specificity of estrogen action in uterus, vagina, pituitary gland, and breast cancer. Most importantly, a test was established to predict the outcome of antihormonal therapy in breast cancer, and a target was identified to develop new drugs for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. The development of tamoxifen for the treatment of all stages of ER-positive breast cancers has resulted in the improved survival of breast cancer patients. However, the recognition of selective ER modulation, i.e., estrogen-like action in bones and lowering circulating cholesterol but antiestrogenic actions in breast and uterus, has resulted in the development of multifunctional medicines with the goal of preventing not only breast and uterine cancer but also osteoporosis and coronary heart disease.
Jensen
Elwood V
EV
Department of Cell Biology, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, University of Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA.
Jordan
V Craig
VC
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000188:drug therapy; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D013629:Tamoxifen