Abstract
ObjectiveTo determine the influence of various hormones (estrogen, tamoxifen and fulvestrant) on cell proliferation and differentiation in normal and cancer breast stem cells. MethodsPrimary tissue samples, breast cancer cell lines and tamoxifen-resistant cells were used to analyze the effects of hormones on cell proliferation and differentiation. ResultsBreast epithelial cells and stem cells responded differentially to hormone treatments. Tamoxifen-resistant cells showed increased cancer stem cell content and expressed higher Sox2 levels, while progesterone receptor levels were very low. Tamoxifen-resistant cells were resistant to fulvestrant treatment. ConclusionsThe development of tamoxifen resistance is associated with an increase in cancer stem cell content. Treatment with fulvestrant does not appear to reduce the cancer stem cell population. Sox2 could represent a biomarker of tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer.
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