How far have we come in terms of estrogens in breast cancer? [Review].

Major advances in breast cancer treatment have almost always been linked to the actions of estrogen. Therefore, this review focused on estrogen actions in the breast, particularly the developments of the past 20 years, the present understanding of disease biology and possible future developments. Within these areas have focused on what is known about the underlying molecular biology and in particular integration of the bioinformatics revolution of the last 15 years with other facets of research. In addition, there will be an emphasis on the understanding brought about by a greater appreciation for the intracrinology of the breast.