Hormone-Dependent Tumours
Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
Hormone-dependent tumours represent a clinically important group of cancers in which steroid hormones and their corresponding receptors contribute substantially to tumour initiation, progression, and therapeutic response. Among these malignancies, breast, endometrial, ovarian, and prostate cancers show varying degrees of dependence on estrogen, progesterone, or androgens. The biological behaviour of these tumours is strongly influenced by the expression and activity of hormone receptors, particularly estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), progesterone receptors (PR-A and PR-B), and the androgen receptor (AR). Following hormone binding, these receptors can regulate gene transcription and cellular processes involved in proliferation, survival, differentiation, metabolism, and tumour progression. The relationship between hormonal signalling and cancer is complex and extends beyond direct receptor-mediated transcription. Hormone receptors interact with growth-factor pathways, including the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways, thereby creating signalling networks that can support tumour growth even when hormonal stimulation is reduced. This biological complexity is one of the major reasons why some patients initially respond well to endocrine therapy but later develop treatment resistance. Hormone-receptor profiling has therefore become an important component of modern cancer management. Identification of ER and PR status in breast and selected endometrial and ovarian tumours, together with AR assessment in appropriate settings, can help stratify patients and guide therapeutic decisions. Endocrine approaches include selective estrogen receptor modulators, selective estrogen receptor degraders, aromatase inhibitors, progestin-based treatment, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-based approaches, and androgen-deprivation strategies.
Author Affiliations
- 1 Student, Department of Pharmacology, Datta Maghe College of Pharmacy, Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
- 2 Student, Department of Pharmacology, Ashoka Institute of Pharmacy, Chandrapur, Maharashtra, India.