Identification of progesterone-regulated genes and molecular pathways in breast cancer.

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer world-wide and it is the leading cause of death of women aged 45 - 55 in the United States. Two thirds of all breast cancer cases are hormone-dependent and estrogen and progesterone are the primary hormones regulating the development of breast cancer. It is established that estrogen stimulates the growth of breast cancer and its effect is mediated by estrogen receptor (ER). Although antiestrogen tamoxifen is currently the front-line endocrine therapy, most breast cancer ultimately progress as they become tamoxifen resistant.