title: Estrogen signaling in lung cancer: an opportunity for novel therapy.
abstract: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in U.S. and represents a major public health burden. Epidemiologic data have suggested that lung cancer in women may possess different biological characteristics compared to men, as evidenced by a higher proportion of never-smokers among women with lung cancer. Emerging data indicate that female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play a significant role in lung carcinogenesis. It has been reported that estrogen and progesterone receptors are expressed in lung cancer cell lines as well as in patient-derived tumors. Hormone related risk factors such as hormone replacement therapy have been implicated in lung carcinogenesis and several preclinical studies show activity of anti-estrogen therapy in lung cancer. In this review, we summarize the emerging evidence for the role of reproductive hormones in lung cancer and implications for lung cancer therapy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. cbaik2@u.washington.edu.
authors.forename: Christina S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Baik
authors.forename: Keith D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Eaton