Aromatase inhibitors--gene discovery

Aromatase inhibitors for prevention of breast cancer in postmenopausal women: a narrative review

OBJECTIVE

The increasing incidence of breast cancer (BC) worldwide has resulted in widespread interest in primary prevention therapies. A number of large randomized trials have shown that selective estrogen receptor modulators can reduce the relative risk for BC by 30% to 40% in high-risk women. In early-stage BC, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) showed a 35% relative reduction in the risk of contralateral BCs compared with tamoxifen. In this narrative review, we discuss the role of AIs in the primary prevention of BC and novel research on combination hormone therapy-medical therapy for the primary prevention of BC.

METHODS

Using PubMed/Medline, we comprehensively searched for studies of BC primary prevention using AIs, including studies of novel methods of prevention using combination hormone therapy-BC prevention.

RESULTS

Two large multicenter, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trials have evaluated AIs--anastrozole (International Breast Cancer Intervention Study II) and exemestane (Mammary Prevention 3)--for BC risk reduction in women at increased risk for BC, which we summarize. We identified five studies (three completed and two ongoing) of combination AI-hormone therapy that are undergoing investigation for BC risk reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

AIs are effective at BC risk reduction, although long-term follow-up data are required to assess whether this risk reduction will result in reduced mortality. Combination hormone therapy-AI for BC risk reduction is experimental and warrants further investigation.

Characterization of BCAR4, a novel oncogene causing endocrine resistance in human breast cancer cells

Resistance to the antiestrogen tamoxifen remains a major problem in the management of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Knowledge on the resistance mechanisms is needed to develop more effective therapies. Breast cancer antiestrogen resistance 4 (BCAR4) was identified in a functional screen for genes involved in tamoxifen resistance. BCAR4 is expressed in 27% of primary breast tumors. In patients treated with tamoxifen for metastized disease high BCAR4 mRNA levels are associated with reduced clinical benefit and progression-free survival. Regarding tumor aggressiveness high BCAR4 mRNA levels are associated with a shorter metastasis free survival and overall survival. In the present study, we investigated the role of BCAR4 in endocrine resistance. Forced expression of BCAR4 in human ZR-75-1 and MCF7 breast cancer cells resulted in cell proliferation in the absence of estrogen and in the presence of various antiestrogens. Inhibition of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) expression with small interfering RNA (siRNA), implied that the BCAR4-induced mechanism of resistance is independent of ESR1. Highly conserved BCAR4 homologues of rhesus monkey, green monkey, and the less conserved common marmoset gene induced tamoxifen-resistant cell proliferation, in contrast to the distant BCAR4 homologues of bovine and rabbit. Injection of BCAR4-expressing ZR-75-1 cells into nude mice resulted in rapidly growing tumors. In silico analysis showed that BCAR4 mRNA is highly expressed in human placenta and oocyte, and absent in other normal tissues. In conclusion, BCAR4 is a strong transforming gene causing estrogen-independent growth and antiestrogen resistance, and induces tumor formation in vivo. Due to its restricted expression, BCAR4 may be a good target for treating antiestrogen-resistant breast cancer.

Estrogen deficiency reversibly induces telomere shortening in mouse granulosa cells and ovarian aging in vivo

Estrogen is implicated as playing an important role in aging and tumorigenesis of estrogen responsive tissues; however the mechanisms underlying the mitogenic actions of estrogen are not fully understood. Here we report that estrogen deficiency in mice caused by targeted disruption of the aromatase gene results in a significant inhibition of telomerase maintenance of telomeres in mouse ovaries in a tissue-specific manner. The inhibition entails a significant shortening of telomeres and compromised proliferation in the follicular granulosa cell compartment of ovary. Gene expression analysis showed decreased levels of proto-oncogene c-Myc and the telomerase catalytic subunit, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), in response to estrogen deficiency. Estrogen replacement therapy led to increases in TERT gene expression, telomerase activity, telomere length and ovarian tissue growth, thereby reinstating ovary development to normal in four weeks. Our data demonstrate for the first time that telomere maintenance is the primary mechanism mediating the mitogenic effect of estrogen on ovarian granulosa cell proliferation by upregulating the genes of c-Myc and TERT in vivo. Estrogen deficiency or over-activity may cause ovarian tissue aging or tumorigenesis, respectively, through estrogen regulation of telomere remodeling.

Markers of sensitivity, dependence and resistance to endocrine therapy for breast cancer

Owing to its efficacy and relative lack of toxicities, endocrine therapy is a major treatment modality for breast cancer. However, resistance and the inability to accurately predict response are obstacles to optimal management. There is a need to identify markers of clinical response and elucidate mechanisms of resistance. In this article, evidence will be presented demonstrating that: discovery of predictive markers is dependent upon the approach employed and the application required; and mechanisms of resistance are diverse and not simply mirror images of response. Different information may be obtained according to assessment read outs and type of analysis. Tumors respond to endocrine therapy in a variety of ways and a range of end points can be used to monitor hormone dependence, sensitivity and resistance to treatment. Different forms of endocrine therapies may have differing mechanisms of action - hence, markers of sensitivity/response can vary between treatments and there may be correspondingly differing mechanisms of resistance.

Aromatase inhibitors: prediction of response and nature of resistance

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are recommended for and central to endocrine management of breast cancer patients. Response rates can be high, but resistance is a major obstacle. Optimal management therefore requires accurate prediction of response and an understanding of the nature by which resistance occurs. These are the subjects of this review.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

The complications of assessing response in different clinical settings and the types of response in terms of clinical, pathological, proliferative and molecular endpoints are reviewed. The current status of predictors of response such as estrogen receptors (ERs), progesterone receptors, other markers of estrogen action, ER phosphorylation, ER coregulators and multigene signatures are assessed. Different types of resistance to AIs, their heterogeneity, diversity in mechanisms of resistance and their identification are also considered.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

The review provides fundamental information on response and predictors of response to AIs as well as an understanding of the diversity of resistance mechanisms to such endocrine agents.

TAKE HOME MESSAGES

ER status is the only factor used routinely for treatment selection, but additional markers are needed to predict response. Other markers have some predictive powers, but are of limited utility. The hope is, therefore, that discovery strategies based on genome-wide searches will identify new markers. Assessments may be required both before and after a short period of treatment so that early changes can be used to predict subsequent clinical response. Mechanisms of resistance to AIs are diverse. Knowledge of specific resistance mechanisms in individual cases will be necessary if strategies to circumvent resistance are to be developed rationally. A future can be envisaged in which molecular phenotyping of individual tumors is used to decide not only which patients should be treated with AIs but also whether AIs should be used alone or in combination/sequence with other drug regimes.

Changes in expression of oestrogen regulated and proliferation genes with neoadjuvant treatment highlight heterogeneity of clinical resistance to the aromatase inhibitor, letrozole

Introduction

Clinical resistance is a major factor limiting benefits to endocrine therapy. Causes of resistance may be diverse and the mechanism of resistance in individual breast cancers is usually unknown. The present study illustrates how changes in the expression of proliferation and oestrogen-regulated genes occurring during neoadjuvant treatment with the aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, may define distinctive tumour subgroups and suggest different mechanisms of resistance in clinically endocrine resistant breast cancers.

Methods

Postmenopausal women with large primary oestrogen-receptor (ER)-rich breast cancers were treated neoadjuvantly with letrozole (2.5 mg daily) for three months. Clinical response was determined by ultrasound changes in tumour volume. Tumour ribonucleic acid (RNA) from biopsies taken before, after 14 days and after three months of treatment was hybridized on Affymetrix U133A chips. Changes in expression of KIAA0101, TFF3, SERPINA3, IRS-1 and TFF1 were taken as markers of oestrogen regulation and those in CDC2, CKS-2, Cyclin B1, Thymidine Synthetase and PCNA as markers of proliferation.

Results

Fifteen tumours with < 50% volume reduction over three months of treatment were classified as being clinically non-responsive. Gene expression changes after 14 days of treatment with letrozole revealed different patterns of change in oestrogen regulated and proliferation genes in individual resistant tumours. Tumours could be separated into three different subgroups as follows: i) nine cases in which both proliferation and oestrogen signalling signatures were generally reduced on treatment (ii) four cases in which both signatures were generally unaffected or increased with treatment and (iii) two cases in which expression of the majority of oestrogen-regulated genes decreased whereas proliferation genes remained unchanged or increased. In 14 out of 15 tumours, RNA profiles were also available after three months of treatment. Patterns of change observed after 14 days were maintained or accentuated at three months in nine tumours but changes in patterns were apparent in the remaining five cancers.

Conclusions

Different dynamic patterns of expression of oestrogen-regulated and proliferation genes were observed in tumours clinically resistant to neoadjuvant letrozole, thus illustrating heterogeneity of resistance and discriminating molecular sub-classes of resistant tumours. Molecular phenotyping might help to direct circumventing therapy suggesting the targeting of specific pathways in different tumour subtypes.

Progress in aromatase research and identification of key future directions

The IX International Aromatase Conference focused upon key developments in research related to the aromatase enzyme that had occurred since the last meeting. A session took place at the conclusion of conference discussing key areas for future research and issues currently facing researchers in the field. While significant progress on understanding structural elements of the enzyme and regulatory mechanisms of both the gene and protein provides an excellent basis for development of improved aromatase inhibitors and exploration of the important problem of aromatase inhibitor resistance, significant challenges remain. Increasing the speed with which findings are translated into clinical practice and finding an appropriate balance between basic and translational research were identified as areas which require further attention before the next meeting in 2010.

Clinical, pathological, proliferative and molecular responses associated with neoadjuvant aromatase inhibitor treatment in breast cancer

Neoadjuvant treatment provides an exceptional setting in which to monitor clinical, pathological, proliferative and molecular responses to aromatase inhibitors. Sequential measurements of the primary tumour provide an accurate assessment of clinical changes and the relatively easy access to the tumour within the breast means that biopsies are available for histological and molecular measurements before and during treatment. Large randomised trials (P024 and IMPACT) together with informative non-randomised studies have demonstrated clinical responses to third generation aromatase inhibitors in 40-70% of ER-positive tumours, rates generally significantly higher than observed with tamoxifen. Pathological responses in terms of reduced cellularity/increased fibrosis are also seen in 65-75% of cases. Whilst these are more often seen in clinically responding tumours, the correlation between clinical and pathological response is not absolute. A marked feature of treatment with third generation inhibitors is a reduction in cellular proliferation. Using Ki67 as a marker, this may be observed as early as 10-14 days into treatment. Reduction in proliferation with treatment may be seen in both clinically responding and non-responding tumours, although incidence and degree of effect are higher in responding cases. Aromatase inhibitor treatment frequently fails to reduce proliferation in tumours over-expressing HER-2. In terms of molecular events, aromatase inhibitor treatment is associated with changes in expression of genes classically associated with oestrogen regulation (KIAA0101, ZWINT, IRS1 and TFF1) and cell cycle progression, most notably mitotic phase proteins (CDC2, CCNB1 and CKS2). Changes occur both in clinically responding and non-responding tumours. Although expression of no individual gene correlates absolutely with response status, expression signatures can be produced which distinguish between responding and non-responding tumours. In terms of gene ontology, terms relating to macro-molecular biosynthesis, translation and structural components of ribosomes are significantly enriched. Finally, molecular signatures can be used to illustrate the relative homogeneity of responding tumours and the disparate nature of non-responding tumours suggesting multiple and diverse pathways associated with resistance.

Genes responsive to both oxidant stress and loss of estrogen receptor function identify a poor prognosis group of estrogen receptor positive primary breast cancers

Introduction

Oxidative stress can modify estrogen receptor (ER) structure and function, including induction of progesterone receptor (PR), altering the biology and clinical behavior of endocrine responsive (ER-positive) breast cancer.

Methods

To investigate the impact of oxidative stress on estrogen/ER-regulated gene expression, RNA was extracted from ER-positive/PR-positive MCF7 breast cancer cells after 72 hours of estrogen deprivation, small-interfering RNA knockdown of ER-α, short-term (8 hours) exposure to various oxidant stresses (diamide, hydrogen peroxide, and menadione), or simultaneous ER-α knockdown and oxidant stress. RNA samples were analyzed by high-throughput expression microarray (Affymetrix), and significance analysis of microarrays was used to define gene signatures responsive to estrogen/ER regulation and oxidative stress. To explore the association of these signatures with breast cancer biology, microarray data were analyzed from 394 ER-positive primary human breast cancers pooled from three independent studies. In particular, an oxidant-sensitive estrogen/ER-responsive gene signature (Ox-E/ER) was correlated with breast cancer clinical parameters and disease-specific patient survival (DSS).

Results

From 891 estrogen/ER-regulated probes, a core set of 75 probes (62 unique genes) responsive to all three oxidants were selected (Ox-E/ER signature). Ingenuity pathway analysis of this signature highlighted networks involved in development, cancer, and cell motility, with intersecting nodes at growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor-BB, transforming growth factor-β), a proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor), and matrix metalloproteinase-2. Evaluation of the 394 ER-positive primary breast cancers demonstrated that Ox-E/ER index values correlated negatively with PR mRNA levels (r_p = -0.2; P = 0.00011) and positively with tumor grade (r_p = 0.2; P = 9.741 × e^-5), and were significantly higher in ER-positive/PR-negative versus ER-positive/PR-positive breast cancers (t-test, P = 0.0008). Regardless of PR status, the Ox-E/ER index associated with reduced DSS (n = 201; univariate Cox, P = 0.078) and, using the optimized cut-point, separated ER-positive cases into two significantly different DSS groups (log rank, P = 0.0009).

Conclusion

An oxidant-sensitive subset of estrogen/ER-responsive breast cancer genes linked to cell growth and invasion pathways was identified and associated with loss of PR and earlier disease-specific mortality, suggesting that oxidative stress contributes to the development of an aggressive subset of primary ER-positive breast cancers.