What is the Origin of Hormone-Sensitive Cancer?

The concept emerged from clinical observations, particularly in breast and prostate cancer, where surgical removal of the hormone-producing organs resulted in tumor regression. The term gained scientific precision with the discovery and characterization of intracellular steroid hormone receptors in the mid-20th century. This breakthrough provided the molecular target for the development of modern endocrine therapies, fundamentally altering the treatment paradigm for these common cancers.

What is the Mechanism of Hormone-Sensitive Cancer?

The mechanism centers on the hormone-receptor axis: the hormone acts as a key that fits into the receptor lock on the cancer cell. Once bound, the hormone-receptor complex translocates to the cell nucleus, where it binds to specific DNA sequences, acting as a transcription factor to upregulate genes that promote cell cycle progression and survival. Endocrine therapy works by either blocking the receptor (e.g., tamoxifen), inhibiting the synthesis of the hormone (e.g., aromatase inhibitors), or removing the hormone source entirely.

Hormone-Sensitive Cancer ∞ Area

Hormone-Sensitive Cancer

Meaning

Hormone-Sensitive Cancer is a classification of malignancy where the growth, proliferation, and survival of the tumor cells are dependent upon the presence and action of specific endogenous hormones. These cancers possess specialized receptor proteins on their cell surfaces or within their cytoplasm, such as estrogen receptors or androgen receptors, which bind to the corresponding hormone. This interaction initiates a signaling cascade that stimulates the malignant cell to divide and spread, making the tumor vulnerable to endocrine-modulating therapies.