More important, the estrogenic activity of tamoxifen is significantly increased in the presence of MEKK1. A third area of research is interested in the mechanism by which tumors become refractory to tamoxifen therapy. In the presence of PKC tamoxifen can act as estrogen and promote growth of breast and Endometrial cancer cells. These investigations will aid in elucidating the mechanism of tamoxifen-stimulated breast and endometrial cancers and will identify possible targets for treatment. NCI supported investigators are also conducting a study of women taking tamoxifen to test the hypothesis that women who develop atypocal endometrial growth or cancer in response to tamoxifen do so because their endometrial cells contain relatively high levels of the B form of the preogesterone receptor, which under the influence of progesterone, stimulates the production of the enzyme flavin-containing monoxygenase 5.
Estrogens are a major risk factor for hormone-dependent endometrial and breast cancers in women.
Instead, the estrogen-bound ER cooperates as a coactivator with several other proteins that are ubiquitous gene regulators and whose activity is controlled by several major cell signaling pathways. It is crucial to unravel these numerous interactions because they may be responsible for the development of resistance to chemotherapy. Laboratory and clinical scientists work collaboratively to plan, design and implement research programs that impact on cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and control. This retreat will focus on epithelial ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and HPV-associated cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. Like other PRGs, this PRG will be composed of between 21 and 30 prominent members of the scientific, medical, industry, and advocacy communities who are charged with outlining and prioritizing a national research agenda for a particular cancer site.