Estrogens, Cancer and Immunity

Simple Summary In this review, we present current knowledge of sex hormones in the process of development of malignant diseases. The impact of sex hormones on immune system is presented. A special account is devoted to estrogens and their role in modification of anticancer immune response. Sex hormones are included in many physiological and pathological pathways. Estrogens belong to steroid hormones active in female sex. Estradiol (E2) is the strongest female sex hormone and, with its receptors, contributes to oncogenesis, cancer progression and response to treatment. In recent years, a role of immunosurveillance and suppression of immune response in malignancy has been well defined, forming the basis for cancer immunotherapy. The interplay of sex hormones with cancer immunity, as well as the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, is of interest. In this review, we investigate the impact of sex hormones on natural immune response with respect to main active elements in anticancer immune surveillance: dendritic cells, macrophages, lymphocytes and checkpoint molecules. We describe the main sex-dependent tumors and the contribution of estrogen in their progression, response to treatment and especially modulation of anticancer immune response.

Automated summary

This review presents the current understanding of sex hormones in the development of malignant diseases, with a focus on the role of estrogens in modifying the immune response to cancer. Sex hormones have diverse effects on the immune system and play a role in various physiological and pathological pathways.