Estrogen causes neuroblastoma cells to mature into neurons

(Karolinska Institutet) The female sex hormone estrogen can perform an important role in neuroblastoma, a form of cancer mainly affecting young children. In laboratory experiments, researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden demonstrate that estrogen treatment and overexpression of the estrogen receptor cause malignant neuroblastoma cells to mature into neuron-like cells. The study, which is published in PNAS, gives hope of new treatment possibilities.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news