The Sound of Evolution
Diethylstilbestrol
Mechanism of action:
Diethylstilbestrol is a synthetic non-steroidal estrogen that has been widely discontinued. It binds to estrogen receptors (ERα/ERβ) in the body and mimics natural estrogens such as estradiol to activate downstream gene expression. These gene regulatory effects influence multiple tissues, including the reproductive tract, breast, pituitary gland, and liver. Diethylstilbestrol has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Reference(s):
1. Dieckmann WJ et al. (1953). Does the administration of diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy have therapeutic value? Am J Obstet Gynecol.
2. Ingle JN et al. (1981). Randomized clinical trial of diethylstilbestrol versus tamoxifen in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer. N Engl J Med.