Hormone therapy for breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is a hormone responsive disease, and its proliferation and progression correlate with estrogen. Estrogen binds to estrogen receptor and induces various target genes, thus promoting proliferation of breast cancer cells. Therefore, the strategy of endocrine therapy is the blockade of estrogen action. We can use a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone agonist and aromatase inhibitor as an interruptor of supply, tamoxifen as an inhibitor of estrogen receptor, and medroxyprogesterone acetate with an anti-estrogen action. In this article, we review endocrine therapy for breast cancer patients based on recent clinical trials.