24R,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D regulates breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Background: Epidemiological studies indicate high serum 25(OH)D is associated with increased survival in breast cancer patients. Pre-clinical studies attributed this to anti-tumorigenic properties of its metabolite 1α,25(OH)D. However, 1α,25(OH)D is highly calcemic and thus has a narrow therapeutic window.

Estradiol receptor profile and estrogen responsiveness in laryngeal cancer and clinical outcomes.

There is growing evidence that laryngeal cancers are responsive to sex hormones, specifically 17β-estradiol (E), despite controversy regarding the presence and characterization of E receptors (ER). Determination of sex hormone responsiveness impacts the prognosis of laryngeal cancer patients and the treatment modalities implemented by their clinicians. Discovery of membrane-associated steroid hormone receptors and rapid membrane signaling opened the possibility that cancers previously labeled 'non-hormone dependent' and 'ER negative' might in fact be susceptible to the effects of E via these membrane receptors.