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Updated: Jun 7, 2025
Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
Analyzing Androgen Receptor Expression in Breast Cancer: Insights into Histopathological Parameters and Hormone
Nidhiben Harshadkumar Thakkar1, Md Ali Osama2, Shashi Dhawan1
1Department of Histopathology, Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Abstract:
Breast cancer, an exceptionally hormone-dependent tumor, exhibits a diverse clinical profile. Its therapeutic categorization relies on the expression of key receptors, namely, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and Her2neu. The androgen receptor (AR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a biomarker gaining attention in breast cancer research, particularly for triple-negative breast cancers. We conducted an analysis of AR expression in 113 primary breast cancer cases, using a cutoff criterion of ≥ 10% tumor cell positivity. ER, PR, and Her2neu statuses were determined based on the 2023 ASCO-CAP criteria. AR expression was then correlated with various clinicopathological factors, including age, menopausal status, centricity, histological type, grade, tumor size, nodal status, lymphovascular and perineural invasion, and ER, PR, and HER2neu statuses. Among the 113 cases, 57 (50.4%) showed positive AR expression. No statistically significant associations were found between AR expression and age, menopausal status, histological type, histological grade, nodal status, or ER and PR expression. Notably, all multicentric tumors (n = 7, 100%) were AR negative. AR expression was linked to smaller tumor sizes. Positive AR cases exhibited an association with Her2neu overexpression, particularly in ER and PR-negative tumors. Of note, 35% of triple-negative tumors displayed AR positivity. AR emerges as a promising marker in breast cancers, particularly in triple-negative cases. Larger-scale studies are warranted to comprehensively assess the relationship between AR expression and histopathological parameters, as well as other immunohistochemical markers.
Insights
Androgen receptor (AR) expression is present in half of breast cancers and shows promise as a biomarker, especially for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Further research is needed to confirm its role.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Breast cancer classification relies on Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), and Her2neu status.
- Androgen Receptor (AR) is emerging as a significant biomarker, particularly in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze Androgen Receptor (AR) expression in primary breast cancer.
- To correlate AR expression with clinicopathological factors and other receptor statuses (ER, PR, Her2neu).
- To evaluate AR as a potential biomarker, especially in ER/PR-negative and triple-negative breast cancers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of AR expression in 113 primary breast cancer tissues using a ≥10% tumor cell positivity cutoff.
- Determination of ER, PR, and Her2neu status according to 2023 ASCO-CAP criteria.
- Correlation of AR expression with clinicopathological parameters (age, menopausal status, tumor size, grade, etc.) and receptor statuses.
Main Results:
- 50.4% of breast cancer cases exhibited positive AR expression.
- AR expression was not significantly associated with age, menopausal status, tumor type, grade, nodal status, or ER/PR status.
- AR positivity was linked to smaller tumor sizes and Her2neu overexpression, especially in ER/PR-negative tumors. 35% of triple-negative tumors were AR-positive.
Conclusions:
- Androgen Receptor (AR) is a promising biomarker in breast cancer, particularly for triple-negative subtypes.
- AR expression correlates with specific clinicopathological features like smaller tumor size and Her2neu overexpression.
- Larger studies are required to fully elucidate the relationship between AR expression and breast cancer characteristics.
