Estrogen receptors as the novel therapeutic biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Although a wide range of studies have addressed the relationship between estrogen receptor (ER) expression and prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), that relationship remains controversial. This is in large part because there is no consensus on the rate of ER expression in NSCLC or on the intracellular distribution of ER expression. This suggests that establishing the relationship between ER expression and prognosis will require standardization of the antibodies used as well as the definition of a positive response. For example, it is supposed from previous studies that ERs in the cytoplasm and nucleus have different relationships to prognosis than ERs in the cytoplasm. Moreover, ER signaling in NSCLC is known to be affected by aromatase, progesterone receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor mutation. However, there has been little functional analysis these mutants and subtypes. This review will focus on what is known about the role of ERs in NSCLC and whether ER can be a useful prognostic marker or therapeutic target in NSCLC.

Keywords: Estrogen receptor, Non-small cell lung cancer, Epidermal growth factor receptor, Fulvestrant, Combined therapy

Core tip: Although there were many studies regarding the role of estrogen receptor (ER) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the rate of ER expression or the intracellular distribution of ER remains controversial. This suggests that establishing the relationship between ER expression and prognosis will require standardization of the antibodies used as well as the definition of a positive response. Furthermore, there has been little functional analysis for ER variants. This review will focus on what is known about the role of ERs in NSCLC and whether ER can be a useful prognostic marker or therapeutic target in NSCLC.