Harnessing a Different Dependency: How to Identify and Target Androgen Receptor-Positive Versus Quadruple-Negative Breast Cancer

Horm Cancer. 2018 Apr;9(2):82-94. doi: 10.1007/s12672-017-0314-5. Epub 2018 Jan 16.

Abstract

The androgen receptor (AR) is a promising therapeutic target for a subset of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) in which AR is expressed. However, the mechanistic action of AR and the degree to which primary and metastatic tumors depend on AR, both before and after conventional treatment, remain to be defined. We discuss preclinical and clinical data for AR+ TNBC, the difficulties in monitoring AR protein levels, new methods for determining AR status, the influence of AR on "stemness" in the context of TNBC, the role of combined inhibition of sex steroid production and AR, and the role of AR in regulation of the immune system. Although the exact role of AR in subsets of TNBC is still being characterized, new therapies that target AR and the production of androgens may provide additional options for patients with TNBC for whom chemotherapy is currently the sole treatment option.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinogenesis / drug effects
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Receptors, Androgen / genetics
  • Receptors, Androgen / metabolism*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy

Substances

  • Androgen Receptor Antagonists
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones
  • Receptors, Androgen