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Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 6/2016

01-06-2016 | Review

Estrogen receptor beta and ovarian cancer: a key to pathogenesis and response to therapy

Authors: Ioannis Kyriakidis, Paraskevi Papaioannidou

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 6/2016

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Abstract

Introduction

Ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of mortality due to gynecological tumors. Estrogen receptors (ERs) seem to participate in tumor progression even in the absence of estrogens. Twenty years after the cloning of the second estrogen receptor, a wide spectrum of studies have shown its implication in both physiologic and pathologic pathways. ERβ, being the predominant type of ER in normal ovary tissue, has not only been linked with pathogenesis of ovarian cancer, but also with response to treatment. Unlike ERα, which is primarily linked with cell growth, ERβ presence is prominent in signaling pathways, cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.

Methods

Literature review of relevant published material (from PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases) was conducted.

Results

Polymorphisms in the respective ESR2 gene, epigenetic modifications and isoforms of the receptor have been extensively studied to assess potential correlations with responsiveness to treatment and tumor behavior. Studies on the exact roles of ERβ and its genetic variations in altering effectiveness and toxicity of ovarian cancer treatment regimens are lacking.

Conclusion

Clinical utilization of ERβ actions in the management of ovarian cancer is discussed in an up-to-date review.
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Metadata
Title
Estrogen receptor beta and ovarian cancer: a key to pathogenesis and response to therapy
Authors
Ioannis Kyriakidis
Paraskevi Papaioannidou
Publication date
01-06-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-016-4027-8

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