Overcoming aromatase inhibitor resistance in patients with ER+ breast cancer - Research • Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

Overcoming aromatase inhibitor resistance in patients with ER+ breast cancer

Euphemia Leung - University of Auckland
Euphemia Leung - University of Auckland
June 2011
Research Grant

What is the problem and who is affected?

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs), or anti-estrogens, are the common treatment for patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) cancers. It is almost inevitable, however, that secondary therapy will be required as most patients develop a resistance to the AIs.

What is this research hoping to achieve?

Dr Leung and her team will investigate the use of inhibitors of the PI3K/mTOR pathway, using several candidate drugs, as a way to prevent AI resistance.