Estrogen is involved in the pathophysiology of breast carcinoma. It aids the growth of breast cancer cells that express the receptor for estrogen hormone. Unfortunately, approximately 50% of the patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive metastatic breast cancer are non-responders to initial endocrine treatment. In addition, almost all patients who respond initially to an endocrine treatment develop resistance.1 In this exclusive video, Prof. (Dr.) Marc Thill discusses the main concerns arising with endocrine treatment, definitions of primary and secondary endocrine resistance (ER), and the role of CDK 4&6 inhibitors in the ER pathway.
References 1. Normanno N, Di Maio M, De Maio E, De Luca A, De Matteis A, Giordano A, Perrone F. Mechanisms of endocrine resistance and novel therapeutic strategies in breast cancer. Endocrine-related cancer. 2005 Dec 1;12(4):721-47.
