Estrogen receptor pathway: Resistance to endocrine therapy and new therapeutic approaches

Abstract

Endocrine therapy is widely accepted as the most important treatment for all patients with hormone receptor - positive breast cancer. However, despite the positive effect of endocrine therapy on clinical outcome, resistance to these drugs inevitably develops. This article reviews the problem of resistance to hormonal therapy and addresses potential approaches to overcome intrinsic or acquired mechanisms of resistance. © 2006 American Association for Cancer Research.