Too much of a good thing: Important mechanism in hormone-sensitive breast cancer uncovered

Two thirds of breast cancers are ERalpha-positive, i.e., many oestrogen receptors of the ERalpha- type are found in their cells. 'These molecules can interact with the oestrogen hormone and, thus, even lead to cancer,' explains Dr Joerg Hoheisel; molecular biologist at DKFZ. 'The connection between the levels of the oestrogen receptor alpha and the occurrence of breast cancer has been known for some time now. Early-stage breast cancer cells already produce too many of these receptors. This is associated with increased cell division, which is ultimately responsible for tumour development,' says Hoheisel...

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