Estrogen receptor beta, a possible tumor suppressor involved in ovarian carcinogenesis

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of death from gynecological tumors in women. Several lines of evidence Suggest that estrogens may play an important role in ovarian carcinogenesis, through their receptor, ER alpha and ER beta. Interestingly, malignant ovarian tumours Originating from epithelial Surface constitute about 90% of ovarian cancers and expressed low levels of ER beta, compared to normal tissues. In addition, restoration of ER beta in ovarian cancer cells, leads to strong inhibition of their proliferation and invasion, while apoptosis is enhanced. In this manuscript, recent data suggesting a possible tumour-suppressor role for ER beta in ovarian carcinogenesis are discussed. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.