Current progression of progesterone receptor and androgen receptor in endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms of the female reproductive system. Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) play important roles in the progression of EC by regulating the proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of endometrial cells. Hormonal therapy targeting ER and PR has long been an indispensable treatment modality for EC. However, drug resistance induced by long-term hormonal therapy represents a major challenge, and the loss of ER and PR in some patients with metastatic or recurrent EC also restricts the clinical applicability of hormonal therapy. Increasing evidence has shown that androgen receptor (AR) plays a crucial role in the development of EC and may serve as a new therapeutic target for EC. This review summarizes the regulatory roles of PR and AR in EC development, discusses the interactions among ER, PR and AR, as well as the current application and future prospects of hormonal therapy in EC, aiming to provide a comprehensive theoretical basis for optimizing the clinical hormonal therapy strategy for EC.