Hormonal Carcinogenesis

Synonyms

Hormone carcinogenesis

Definition

The process by which a normal cell is transformed into a cancer cell is called “carcinogenesis.” When the carcinogenic event is either potentiated or promoted by hormones (i.e., natural or synthetic) (diethylstilbestrol, estradiol), it is considered as “hormonal carcinogenesis” (Estrogenic hormone and cancer) (Hormones and Cancer).

Characteristics

There are three major classes of hormones based upon their chemical structures. These are (i) peptide/protein hormones (e.g., leptin, angiotensin II, interleukins, ACTH, gastrin, and others), (ii) amino acid- or fatty acid-derived hormones (e.g., epinephrine, acetylcholine, prostaglandins, and others), and (iii) steroid hormones (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and others). Each hormone has its unique features and plays specific role under normal physiological conditions. Normally, it requires very minute amounts to exert its biological function through its receptor or other signaling...