Abstract
Lung cancer, of which approximately 85% are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is one of the most prevalent cancers and the most leading cause of cancer mortality. Despite recent improvements in its treatment, the prognosis remains dismal. Previous studies have clearly proved that estrogen and estrogen receptors (ER) are involve in the pathogenesis and development of lung cancer. More and more evidences showed antiestrogen therapy may reverse the drug-resistance of platinum based chemotherapy in NSCLC patients and can enhance curative effect of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. We will review recent progress in the function of estrogen in NSCLC and the treatment based on the ER signaling pathways for NSCLC in this article.