Estrogen Receptor Expression in Tumors Different from Breast Cancer

Abstract

A review of the literature data on expression of estrogen receptor alpha and beta (ERa and ERβ) in tumors different from breast cancer. The results regarding the ERa and ERβ expression frequency in non-small cell and small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal, ovarian, prostate and brain tumors are presented. High frequency of estrogen receptor expression (in up to 50 and more per cent of cases) in various types of tumors, differences between ERa and ERβ in expression frequency, prognostic significance and prediction of the neoplastic process aggressiveness as well as in biological implications of interaction with antiestrogens (antagonistic and/or agonistic effect) are shown. The data on comparative evaluation of ERa and ERβ expression in lung, ovarian, prostate tumor cells and corresponding nonneoplastic tissues are reported. Authors consider necessary to include the ERa and ERβ detection into the routine clinical practice not only in breast cancer but in other tumors as well. Prospects of the clinical application of antiestrogens, in particular tamoxifen, in adjuvant therapy of different tumors with positive ER status are discussed.

Keywords

• estrogen receptors
• solid human tumors
• tamoxifen