Dr. Goncalves on the ESR1 Mutation in Breast Cancer

Rodrigo Goncalves, MD, postdoctoral fellow, Washington University School of Medicine, describes research involving the ESR1 gene mutation in breast cancer.

Research in this space is trying to answer the question as to why some tumors that express the mutation respond well to chemotherapy and endocrine therapy while others do not. Research, as well as xenograft models, have found at least two point mutations and a translocation that may affect response to endocrine treatment.

In vitro studies are planned for new agents that could potentially target the ESR1 mutation and improve overall and disease-free survival.