Advances in mechanisms of resistance to aromatase inhibitors

Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2014 Apr;14(4):381-93. doi: 10.1586/14737140.2014.882233. Epub 2014 Feb 22.

Abstract

Clinically, there are two distinct types of aromatase inhibitor (AI) resistance, namely acquired and innate resistance. Because the underlying mechanisms of these two types of resistance may not be mutually exclusive, strategies to tackle these resistances may not be effective when used interchangeably. Activation of growth factor receptor pathways is the hallmark of acquired AI resistance. These pathways can be targeted either at the cell surface receptor level or their downstream signaling cascades. Currently, everolimus in combination with exemestane represents a new standard of care for patients progressing on non-steroidal AIs. HDAC inhibitors have also shown promising results For innate resistance, the combination of fulvestrant and AI in the front line setting represents a new treatment option, particularly for patients who present with de novo metastatic disease. A Phase III trial is currently ongoing to evaluate the benefit of CDK 4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib, in the first line setting in combination with AI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / classification
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints / drug effects
  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm* / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm* / genetics
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Histone Deacetylases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism
  • Receptors, Estrogen / metabolism
  • Receptors, Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • src-Family Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Receptors, Growth Factor
  • MTOR protein, human
  • src-Family Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Histone Deacetylases