Polynucleotides for Use in Treating and Diagnosing Cancers

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for increasing sensitivity of cancer cells to an antiestrogen agent, such as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). The methods include administering to the subject a polynucleotide in an amount effective to increase the antiestrogen agent sensitivity of the cancer cells. The cancer cells may be estrogen receptor positive, such as ER-a66 positive or ER-a3 6 positive, prior to the administering. Also provided are methods for decreasing the amount of estrogen receptor present in a cancer cell, methods for determining whether antiestrogen agent sensitivity of cancer cells in a subj ect can be increased, methods for diagnosing whether a subject has, or is at risk for developing, cancer, and methods for identifying an agent that increases the amount of let-7 miRNA in a cell.