The Role of Steroid Hormones in Breast and Effects on Cancer Stem Cells.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

This review will discuss how the steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, as well as treatments that target steroid receptors, can regulate cancer stem cell (CSC) activity. The CSC theory proposes a hierarchical organization in tumors where at its apex lies a subpopulation of cancer cells endowed with self-renewal and differentiation capacity.

Recent findings

In breast cancer (BC), CSCs have been suggested to play a key role in tumor maintenance, disease progression, and the formation of metastases. In preclinical models of BC, only a few CSCs are required sustain tumor re-growth, especially after conventional anti-endocrine treatments. CSCs include therapy-resistant clones that survive standard of care treatments like chemotherapy, irradiation, and hor

SUBMITTER: Alferez DG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5866269 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature