Endocrine Therapy-related Endocrinopathies—Biology, Prevalence, and Implications for the Management of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Nearly 270,000 new breast cancer cases were predicted to be diagnosed in the USA in 2019 with more than 70% being estrogen receptor-positive and treated using endocrine therapy. The suppression of estrogen biosynthesis or action via the use of ovarian suppression, aromatase inhibitors and selective estrogen receptor modulators/degraders, respectively, is effective in approximately 70% of women. The systemic inhibition of estrogen during breast cancer treatment is also associated with side effects due to the important endocrine functions of this steroid hormone, including its role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis and bone health. This article will present perspectives on the impact of endocrine therapy from the point of view of breast medical oncology, endocrinology, and basic science.Copyright © 2020, Touch Medical Media. All rights reserved.