Estrogen and ERα: Culprits in cervical cancer?

Estrogen and its receptors are implicated in the promotion and prevention of various cancers. Although the uterine cervix is highly responsive to estrogen, the role of estrogen in cervical cancer, which is strongly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, is poorly understood. Recent studies in HPV transgenic mouse models provide evidence that estrogen and its nuclear receptor promote cervical cancer in combination with HPV oncogenes. Although epidemiological studies further support this hypothesis, there is little experimental data assessing the hormonal responsiveness of human cervical cancers. If these cancers are dependent on estrogen, then drugs targeting estrogen and its receptors could be effective in treating and/or preventing cervical cancer, the second leading cause of death by cancer among women worldwide.