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ER-Positive Breast Cancer

Meaning

ER-Positive Breast Cancer refers to a specific subset of malignant tumors in the mammary tissue where the cancer cells express the Estrogen Receptor alpha (ER-alpha) protein on their surface or within their nucleus. The presence of this receptor indicates that the tumor’s growth and proliferation are significantly fueled by the binding of circulating estrogen, thereby activating mitogenic signaling pathways. This clinical characteristic is vital because it makes the cancer susceptible to endocrine-based therapies that specifically block estrogen action or production. This is the most common subtype of breast cancer.