Androgen Receptor in Breast Cancer: From Bench to Bedside

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Breast cancer (BC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality in women globally.
• Androgen receptor (AR) expression is observed across various BC subtypes, suggesting its potential involvement in disease progression.
• The precise role and clinical significance of AR in BC are debated due to variations in its expression and pathway activation across different subtypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of the androgen receptor (AR) in distinct breast cancer (BC) subtypes.
• To synthesize current knowledge on AR-targeting therapies for BC.
• To explore the potential of combination therapies and address therapeutic resistance mechanisms related to AR.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
• Analysis of research on AR expression patterns and pathway signaling in diverse BC subtypes.
• Evaluation of existing and emerging AR-targeted therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• AR expression and its associated pathways exhibit significant heterogeneity among different BC subtypes.
• AR can function as a predictive or prognostic biomarker and presents a viable target for BC treatment.
• Evidence suggests potential efficacy for combination therapies involving AR-targeting agents, with ongoing research into overcoming resistance.

Conclusions:

• The role of AR in breast cancer is subtype-dependent, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches.
• Targeting the AR pathway holds promise for improving treatment outcomes in specific BC populations.
• Further investigation into combination therapies and resistance mechanisms is essential for optimizing AR-directed treatments in breast cancer.