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Restoration of estrogen responsiveness by blocking the HER-2/neu pathway

  • Lois Witters
  • , Linda Engle
  • , Allan Lipton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

HER-2/neu gene amplification or protein overexpression is evident in 20-30% of primary breast cancers. Its amplification correlates with poor prognosis. There appears to be an association between HER-2/neu overexpression and estrogen independence. The MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cell line is estrogen-dependent and sensitive to the anti-estrogen, tamoxifen (TAM). This line, when transfected with the HER-2/neu gene, becomes estrogen-independent and resistant to TAM. Blockade of the HER-2/neu receptor with 1-5 nM of the humanized HER-2/neu antibody, Herceptin, restored estrogen, as well as TAM, sensitivity. These results suggest that Herceptin or similar drugs may restore estrogen sensitivity and the administration of a HER-2/neu inhibitor with an anti-estrogen to premenopausal patients should be considered.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1163-1166
Number of pages4
JournalOncology reports
Volume9
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2002

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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