Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026
Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
Androgen receptor (AR) expression in 400 breast carcinomas: is routine AR assessment justified?
Damoun Safarpour1, Shabnam Pakneshan2, Fattaneh A Tavassoli1
1Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine New Haven, CT, USA.
Background:
Triple negative breast carcinomas (TNBC) do not benefit from hormonal or Herceptin therapies. In search of novel therapeutic targets for TNBC, interest is escalating in a subset of these tumors that are androgen receptor (AR) positive with potential benefit from anti-androgen therapy. Against this background, the frequency of AR expression alone and in combination with other markers and morphologic features was assessed to identify TNBC subtypes for targeted therapy.
Methods:
400 consecutive invasive mammary carcinomas with known estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR) and HER2 status were selected for study. The frequency of AR positivity alone or in combination with other markers was recorded with specific attention to the morphology of AR+ TNBCs. Ki67 was evaluated in selected group of cases. ASCO/CAP guidelines were used for interpretation of the various biomarkers.
Results:
Of the 400 tumors, 32 (8%) carcinomas were quadruple negative (ER-, PR-, AR-, Her2-), while 50 tumors (12.5%) were triple negative (ER-, PR-, Her2-); 18 (36%) of the triple negative tumors were AR positive and 10 (55%) of these were classic apocrine carcinomas. Fourteen cases, all apocrine carcinomas, were AR and Her2 positive. All 32 QN carcinomas were poorly differentiated and they had the highest Ki67 labeling index.
Conclusion:
The relatively high proportion of AR+ tumors (36%) among the 50 triple negative carcinomas is an important finding in support of routine assessment of AR in at least all TNBCs and apocrine carcinomas as a potential target for therapy.
Insights
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) research identifies androgen receptor (AR) positive subtypes. Routine AR assessment in TNBC and apocrine carcinomas may reveal new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Triple-negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) lacks targeted therapies like hormonal or Herceptin treatments.
- A subset of TNBC exhibits androgen receptor (AR) positivity, suggesting potential efficacy of anti-androgen therapies.
- Investigating AR expression in TNBC is crucial for identifying novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of AR expression in triple-negative breast carcinomas.
- To identify TNBC subtypes with potential for targeted anti-androgen therapy.
- To correlate AR expression with specific morphological features and other biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 400 invasive mammary carcinomas for ER, PR, AR, and HER2 status.
- Assessment of AR positivity frequency and its combination with other markers.
- Morphological evaluation of AR-positive TNBCs, including Ki67 assessment.
- Standardized biomarker interpretation using ASCO/CAP guidelines.
Main Results:
- Out of 400 tumors, 50 (12.5%) were triple-negative (ER-, PR-, HER2-).
- Of the triple-negative tumors, 18 (36%) were AR-positive, with 10 classified as apocrine carcinomas.
- Quadruple-negative (ER-, PR-, AR-, HER2-) carcinomas (32 cases) showed poor differentiation and high Ki67 index.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion (36%) of triple-negative breast carcinomas are AR-positive.
- Routine assessment of AR in TNBC and apocrine carcinomas is recommended for identifying potential therapeutic targets.
- AR positivity indicates a potential pathway for targeted therapy in specific breast cancer subtypes.
Related Concept Videos
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...