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Role of the Androgen Receptor in Human Breast Cancer

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Abstract

Although the androgen receptor (AR)3is often co-expressed with the estrogen receptor (ER)and progesterone receptor (PR) in human breast tumors,its role in breast cancer is poorly understood. Specific growth stimulatory and inhibitory actions ofandrogens have been described in human breast cancercell lines. The mechanisms by which androgens exertthese contrasting growth effects are unknown. A commonly utilized second line therapy for the treatmentof advanced breast cancer is high dosemedroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Although MPA, asynthetic progestin, was thought to act exclusivelythrough the PR, the androgenic side-effects observed in womentaking MPA suggest that its action may also be mediatedin part by the AR. In support of this hypothesis, thelevel of AR measured by radioligand binding in primary breast tumors was correlated with theduration of response to MPA treatment following failureof tamoxifen therapy. Recent data suggest that thepresence of structurally altered AR in breast cancers may account for unresponsiveness to MPA in someof these cases. Further studies are warranted todetermine the role of AR mediated pathways in regulatingbreast tumor growth. In particular, identification of androgen-regulated genes may lead to newpossibilities for the hormonal treatment of breastcancer.

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  1. S. N. Birrell
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  2. R. E. Hall
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  3. W. D. Tilley
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Birrell, S.N., Hall, R.E. & Tilley, W.D. Role of the Androgen Receptor in Human Breast Cancer. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 3, 95–103 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018730519839

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