Estrogen, phospholipase A and breast cancer

Abstract

The development of breast cancer is promoted by diverse factors that impact on intracellular signaling to promote proliferation and cell survival. The role of eicosanoid signaling through prostaglandin release and the up-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is established, however, the impact of phospholipase A (PLA) activity and over-expression is less certain. Here we review current literature concerning the role of PLA in breast cancer and describe how eicosanoid signaling may be a facet of estrogen-stimulated breast cancer etiology and progression.