Your browser version may not work well with NCBI's Web applications. More information here...
1: Cancer Lett. 1994 Jun 30;81(2):137-44.Links

ERBB2 amplification is associated with tamoxifen resistance in steroid-receptor positive breast cancer.

Borg A, Baldetorp B, Fernö M, Killander D, Olsson H, Rydén S, Sigurdsson H.

Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.

Amplification and overexpression of the ERBB2 (HER-2/neu) oncogene has been implicated as contributing to the development of human breast cancer, and as a predictor of poor survival. In the present non-randomized study of 871 primary invasive breast tumours, ERBB2 activation was significantly correlated to a shorter disease-free and overall survival in the subgroup of patients receiving adjuvant tamoxifen therapy, but not in the untreated group. Further subcategorization demonstrated the relationship to poor prognosis to be confined to lymph node positive and steroid receptor-positive tumours. We suggest that steroid receptor and ERBB2-positive breast tumours are resistant to tamoxifen therapy and, supported by experimental evidence showing an oestrogen receptor dependent up-regulation of ERBB2 expression upon tamoxifen administration, possibly even growth stimulated by the drug.

PMID: 7912163 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patient Drug Information

  • Estrogen (Cenestin® , Enjuvia® , Estrace® , ...)

    Estrogen is used to treat hot flushes ('hot flashes'; sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) in women who are experiencing menopause ('change of life', the end of monthly menstrual periods). Some brands of estrogen...

  • Progesterone (Prometrium® )

    Progesterone is used as a part of hormone replacement therapy in women who have passed menopause (the change of life) and have not had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus). Hormone replacement therapy usually in...

  • Tamoxifen (Nolvadex® )

    Your doctor has prescribed tamoxifen for you. Tamoxifen comes as a tablet to take by mouth.

  • Source: AHFS Consumer Medication Information