Immunohistochemical expression of androgen receptor in salivary gland cancers

Accidental discovery of androgen receptor (AR) expression in high-grade salivary gland cancer led to evaluation of that finding. In this study we evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of AR in a series of 37 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded malignant salivary gland tumors using two commercially available antibodies. Nuclear immunoreactivity for AR was demonstrated in 3 of 4 salivary duct carcinomas, 2 of 7 adenocarcinomas NOS and 1 of 2 carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma for both antibodies. Expression of AR was evaluated semiquantatively according to Dako ER/PR pharmDx scoring guidelines. All positive cases came from male patients. There was no immunoreactivity seen in 13 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 7 mucoepidermoid carcinomas and 4 acinic cell carcinomas. The expression of AR in high-grade salivary gland cancers suggests a possible role for AR in the clinical management of these neoplasms.