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Breast Cancer Research
Published in: Breast Cancer Research 3/2011

01-06-2011 | Review

Notch signaling as a therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment?

Authors: Jianxun Han, Michael J Hendzel, Joan Allalunis-Turner

Published in: Breast Cancer Research | Issue 3/2011

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Abstract

Aberrant Notch signaling can induce mammary gland carcinoma in transgenic mice, and high expressions of Notch receptors and ligands have been linked to poor clinical outcomes in human patients with breast cancer. This suggests that inhibition of Notch signaling may be beneficial for breast cancer treatment. In this review, we critically evaluate the evidence that supports or challenges the hypothesis that inhibition of Notch signaling would be advantageous in breast cancer management. We find that there are many remaining uncertainties that must be addressed experimentally if we are to exploit inhibition of Notch signaling as a treatment approach in breast cancer. Nonetheless, Notch inhibition, in combination with other therapies, is a promising avenue for future management of breast cancer. Furthermore, since aberrant Notch4 activity can induce mammary gland carcinoma in the absence of RBPjκ, a better understanding of the components of RBPjκ-independent oncogenic Notch signaling pathways and their contribution to Notch-induced tumorigenesis would facilitate the deployment of Notch inhibition strategies for effective treatment of breast cancer.
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Metadata
Title
Notch signaling as a therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment?
Authors
Jianxun Han
Michael J Hendzel
Joan Allalunis-Turner
Publication date
01-06-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Breast Cancer Research / Issue 3/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1465-542X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/bcr2875

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