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Journal of Neuro-Oncology

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Open Access 01-05-2020 | Glioblastoma | Laboratory Investigation

High expression of estrogen receptor alpha and aromatase in glial tumor cells is associated with gender-independent survival benefits in glioblastoma patients

Authors: Lisa Stefanie Hönikl, Friederike Lämmer, Jens Gempt, Bernhard Meyer, Jürgen Schlegel, Claire Delbridge

Published in: Journal of Neuro-Oncology | Issue 3/2020

Abstract

Introduction

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant glial tumor, affecting men more often than women. The reason for this gender-specific predominance remains unclear, raising the question whether these effects are subject to hormonal control. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and aromatase in human GBM tissue samples in relation to patient survival and furthermore to investigate the effect of standard chemotherapy in combination with estradiol treatment on glioblastoma tumor cell lines in vitro.

Methods

60 tissue samples (31 male, 29 female) of GBM patients were analysed with immunohistochemistry for ERα and aromatase for survival analyses. The cell lines LN18 and LN229 were treated with 17β-estradiol (E2) in different dosing regimens and the cell viability was measured with MTT assay. After estradiol pre-treatment Temozolomide was added and tested again.

Results

High expression of ERα and aromatase in the GBM tissue samples was associated with significantly longer survival times of GBM patients, regardless of gender and body-mass-index. The treatment with high concentrations of estradiol resulted in lower tumor cell viability, compared to control. The cells significantly showed a stronger sensitivity against Temozolomid (TMZ) after estradiol pre-treatment.

Conclusion

ERα-expression of glial tumour cells seems to play an important prognostic role as a biomarker in GBM, as well as the expression of the enzyme Aromatase. The combined treatment of GBM with standard chemotherapy and estradiol may be beneficial to patient’s survival.

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Title: High expression of estrogen receptor alpha and aromatase in glial tumor cells is associated with gender-independent survival benefits in glioblastoma patients
Authors: Lisa Stefanie Hönikl
Friederike Lämmer
Jens Gempt
Bernhard Meyer
Jürgen Schlegel
Claire Delbridge
Publication date: 01-05-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma
Estradiol
Estrogens
Published in: Journal of Neuro-Oncology / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 0167-594X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7373
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-020-03467-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

High expression of estrogen receptor alpha and aromatase in glial tumor cells is associated with gender-independent survival benefits in glioblastoma patients

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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