A cutting-edge review of how derangements in the hormonal and growth factor mechanisms controlling normal mammary development lead to breast cancer. Drawing on the multidisciplinary expertise of leading authorities, the book highlights the roles of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, spelling out the importance of autocrine/paracrine loops (e.g., stromal epithelial interactions) in supporting breast cancer cell proliferation and the progression to hormone independence. The book's many prominent contributors also illuminate significant recent advances in the biochemistry and physiology of hormone receptors and review the state-of -the-art in the endocrine therapy of breast cancer. Endocrinology of Breast Cancer provides a unique integrated overview of the most significant basic and clinical developments concerning the hormonal aspects of breast cancer.

Inhalt
I Hormonal Control of Mammary Development and Growth.- 1 Hormonal Control of Normal Breast Morphology and Function.- 2 Interactions Between Estradiol and Progesterone in Normal Breast: Implications for Mammary Carcinogenesis.- 3 Expression and Regulation of Insulin-like Growth Factors and Their Binding Proteins in the Normal Breast.- II Carcinogenesis.- 4 Estrogens and Breast Cancer: An Epidemiologic Perspective.- 5 Androgens, Estrogens, and Breast Cancer Risk.- 6 Local Estrogen Production: Is Aromatase An Oncogene?.- 7 Oncogenes and Mammary Carcinogenesis.- 8 Categorization of Breast Cyst Fluid and Breast Cancer Risk.- III Tumor Progression.- 9 The Role of Tumor Suppressor Genes in Breast Cancer Progression.- 10 Oncogene Activation and Breast Cancer Progression.- 11 Interactions Between Stroma and Epithelium in Breast Cancer: Implications for Tumor Genesis, Growth, and Progression.- 12 The Role of Angiogenesis in the Transition to Hormone Independence and Acquisition of the Metastatic Phenotype.- 13 Role of the IGF System in Breast Cancer Proliferation and Progression.- 14 Prognostic and Predictive Factors in Breast Cancer.- 15 Role of the Polyamine Pathway in the Natural History of Breast Cancer.- IV Estrogen, Progestins, and Prolactin in Breast Cancer Biology: Targets for Treatment.- 16 Aromatase Inhibitors in Breast Carcinoma.- 17 Role of Progestins and Progesterone Receptors in Breast Cancer Biology.- 18 Prolactin and its Receptors in Human Breast Cancer.- V Endocrine Therapy of Breast Cancer.- 19 Pharmacology and Use of Antiestrogens in Treatment and Chemoprevention of Breast Cancer.- 20 LHRH Superagonists and Antagonists in the Treatment of Breast Cancer.- VI Benign Breast Disease.- 21 Benign Breast Lesions: Pathologic Classification and Risk Potential.- 22 Hormonal Treatment of Fibrocystic Disease.- 23 Gynecomastia and Galactorrhea.