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Glucocorticoid receptor and breast cancer

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Abstract

Stress enhances glucocorticoid (GC) synthesis, which alters inflammation and immune responses, as well as cellular proliferation and apoptosis in a number of tissues. Increasingly, stress has been associated with cancer progression, and in particular in breast cancer. Consequently, an operational glucocorticoid receptor system in breast tissue influences breast cancer development. In this review, we summarize the data on the GC/GR system in normal and tumoral breast tissue. We also review the molecular mechanisms by which GCs control apoptosis and proliferation in breast cancer models and how GCs alter the chemotherapy of breast cancer treatment when used in combination. Finally, we discuss the participation of GR in breast tumorigenesis under hormone replacement therapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. INSERM-UPMC, UMRS 938, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, 184 rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine, 75012, Paris, France

    Myriam Vilasco, Laudine Communal, Aurélie Courtin, Patricia Forgez & Anne Gompel

  2. Service d’Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, 184 rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine, 75012, Paris, France

    Najat Mourra

  3. Université Paris Descartes, APHP, UF de Gynécologie, Hôtel-Dieu, 1 place du Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004, Paris, France

    Anne Gompel

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  1. Myriam Vilasco
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Correspondence to Anne Gompel.

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P. Forgez and A. Gompel have contributed equally to the Review.

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Vilasco, M., Communal, L., Mourra, N. et al. Glucocorticoid receptor and breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 130, 1–10 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-011-1689-6

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