Lung cancer in women: role of estrogens.
The incidence of lung cancer in females is increasing, in contrast to that seen in males. In addition, the proportion of lung cancer cases in women attributable to smoking is approximately half of that seen in males. Female sex hormones, especially estrogen, may play a key role in this. Estrogen receptors ERalpha and ERbeta have been detected on lung cancer cells and there is new evidence suggesting that hormone-replacement therapy may increase both the incidence of, and mortality from, lung cancer in women. Laboratory evidence lends credence to the carcinogenic effects of estrogens in lung cancer. This article summarizes the current evidence on their role in lung cancer.
Chakraborty
Subhankar
S
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-7680, USA.
Ganti
Apar Kishor
AK
Marr
Alissa
A
Batra
Surinder K
SK
D000818:Animals; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones