Androgen Receptor: A Promising Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer

The document from 2019 reviews the potential of the androgen receptor (AR) as a therapeutic target in breast cancer (BCa), emphasizing its widespread expression in breast carcinomas and its importance in BCa diagnosis and prognosis. It discusses the role of AR in various BCa subtypes, including estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), HER2-positive, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), as well as male breast cancer (MBC). The review highlights the complexity of AR signaling, its interactions with other pathways like HER2, estrogen receptor (ER), and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and the influence of androgen levels and androgen-related enzymes on AR signaling. It also examines the conflicting evidence regarding AR's role in BCa, its potential as a prognostic marker, and the use of AR-targeting treatments, including anti-androgens and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). Clinical trials are investigating AR-targeted therapies, but more research is needed to clarify AR's role and establish effective treatments. The document concludes that AR offers a promising target for BCa treatment, particularly in TNBC, but emphasizes the need for further research to develop personalized treatment options.