Epigenetic Control of Cancer Cell Dormancy and Awakening in Endocrine Therapy Resistance

Cancer Discov. 2024 May 1;14(5):704-706. doi: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-24-0282.

Abstract

Rosano, Sofyali, Dhiman, and colleagues show that epigenetic-related changes occur in endocrine therapy (ET)-induced dormancy in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, as well as in its reawakening. Targeting these epigenetic changes blocks the entrance to dormancy and reduces the persister cancer cell population, enhancing the cytotoxic effects of ET in vitro. See related article by Rosano et al., p. 866 (9).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal* / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm* / genetics
  • Epigenesis, Genetic* / drug effects
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Estrogen / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Receptors, Estrogen