Relationship between IKK alpha (IKKα), oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) phosphorylation and clinical outcome measures in ER positive breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females in United Kingdom. Although there has
been tremendous advances in the understanding of this disease and its management, recurrence is
still a major problem. The NF-κB pathway has been shown to be involved in promoting recurrence in
patients with ER-positive breast cancers. We aim to identify the relationship between IKKa, a key
member of non canonical NF-κB pathway, phosphorylation of ERα (serines 118 and 167) and clinical
outcomes. If it is demonstrated that IKKα is upregulated with the development of Tamoxifen
resistance, this will provide evidence for their use as a novel therapeutic agent for Tamoxifenresistant
patients.