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Published in: Current Oncology Reports 5/2017

01-05-2017 | Breast Cancer (B Overmoyer, Section Editor)

The Evolving Role of the Estrogen Receptor Mutations in Endocrine Therapy-Resistant Breast Cancer

Authors: Rinath Jeselsohn, Carmine De Angelis, Myles Brown, Rachel Schiff

Published in: Current Oncology Reports | Issue 5/2017

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Abstract

Recurrent ligand-binding domain ESR1 mutations have recently been detected in a substantial number of patients with metastatic ER+ breast cancer and evolve under the selective pressure of endocrine treatments. In this review, we evaluate the current understanding of the biological and clinical significance of these mutations. The preclinical studies revealed that these mutations lead to constitutive ligand-independent activity, indicating resistance to aromatase inhibitors and decreased sensitivity to tamoxifen and fulvestrant. Retrospective analyses of ESR1 mutations in baseline plasma circulating tumor DNA from completed clinical trials suggest that these mutations are prognostic and predictive of resistance to aromatase inhibitors in metastatic disease. Currently, we are lacking prospective studies to confirm these results and to determine the optimal treatment combinations for patients with the ESR1 mutations. In addition, the clinical development of novel agents to overcome resistance engendered by these mutations is also needed.
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Metadata
Title
The Evolving Role of the Estrogen Receptor Mutations in Endocrine Therapy-Resistant Breast Cancer
Authors
Rinath Jeselsohn
Carmine De Angelis
Myles Brown
Rachel Schiff
Publication date
01-05-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Oncology Reports / Issue 5/2017
Print ISSN: 1523-3790
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6269
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-017-0591-8

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