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A new hormonal therapy for estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer

Chelsea Hardin1, Rodney Pommier, Kristine Calhoun

  • 1Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of General Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA.

World Journal of Surgery
|April 13, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) shows promise in treating specific breast cancers. This androgen hormone inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in estrogen/progesterone receptor-negative, androgen receptor-positive breast cancer cells.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) negative breast cancers often lack effective hormonal therapies.
  • Androgen receptor (AR)-positive breast cancers represent a subset that may respond to different hormonal interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) as a novel hormonal treatment for ER, PR-negative, AR-positive breast cancers.
  • To assess the effects of DHEAS on breast cancer cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Three ER, PR-negative breast cancer cell lines (HCC 1137, 1954, 38) were treated with DHEAS.
  • Cell proliferation was measured using MTT assays.
  • Apoptosis was assessed via TUNEL fluorescence.
  • Androgen receptor gene expression was quantified using qRT-PCR.

Main Results:

  • DHEAS significantly decreased cell proliferation in AR-positive cell lines HCC 1937 (47%) and HCC 1954 (27%).
  • DHEAS induced apoptosis in HCC 1937 (2.8-fold increase) and HCC 1954 (1.9-fold increase).
  • DHEAS treatment led to a 6-fold decrease in AR gene expression in HCC 1954 cells within 4 hours, an effect nullified by co-treatment with Casodex.

Conclusions:

  • Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) demonstrates inhibitory effects on the growth of ER, PR-negative, AR-positive breast cancer cells.
  • DHEAS exhibits cytotoxicity through the induction of apoptosis in these specific cancer cells.
  • DHEAS presents a potential therapeutic option for breast cancer patients previously ineligible for traditional hormone therapy.

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