Inhibitory effects of estrogen receptor beta on specific hormone-responsive gene expression and association with disease outcome in primary breast cancer
2007

Effects of Estrogen Receptor Beta on Breast Cancer Gene Expression

Sample size: 69 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lin Chin-Yo, Ström Anders, Li Kong Say, Kietz Silke, Thomsen Jane S, Tee Jason BS, Vega Vinsensius B, Miller Lance D, Smeds Johanna, Bergh Jonas, Gustafsson Jan-Åke, Liu Edison T

Primary Institution: Genome Institute of Singapore

Hypothesis

The study aims to examine the impact of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) on gene expression in breast cancer and its association with disease outcomes.

Conclusion

The study found that higher levels of ERβ are associated with better disease outcomes in breast cancer patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • ERβ overexpression was linked to downregulation of specific cell cycle and DNA replication genes.
  • Patients with higher ERβ levels had better disease-free and disease-specific survival rates.
  • The study validated findings in an independent cohort of ERα-positive tumors.

Takeaway

This study shows that a special protein called ERβ can help slow down the growth of breast cancer cells, which is good for patients.

Methodology

The study used microarray analysis to assess gene expression in a cell line and patient samples, focusing on the effects of ERβ.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on ERα-positive tumors and may not be applicable to ERα-negative tumors.

Participant Demographics

The study involved 69 ERα-positive breast cancer patients who underwent adjuvant tamoxifen therapy.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.00165 for disease-free survival, p = 0.0268 for disease-specific survival

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/bcr1667

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