Endocrine-Dependent Breast Cancer: Critical Assessment of Recent Advances

Breast cancer is described as endocrine-dependent if its growth requieres the presence of female sex hormones, notably estrogenes. This publication includes: endocrine regulation of growth factors, new prognostic markers in breast cancer, estrogen receptor immunocytochemistry, estrogen synthesis via aromatase, mechanisms of antiestrogen action, LHRH analogues, and aromatase inhibition. Information about advances in these fields of endocrine therapy should serve as a guide to appropriate treatment for individual patients today - and indicate what advances may be expected in future.