Breast Cancer Survival Altered by Androgen Receptors
Posted Feb 18 2011 10:05am
Research studies have clearly shown us that androgen receptors are frequently found in breast cancer tumors . However the impact of androgen receptors on breast cancer is still uncertain. One study has suggested that androgen receptors might improve breast cancer outcomes in patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER[+]) breast cancer. In contrast, the presence of too many androgen receptors might cause breast cancer tumors to become resistant to tamoxifen treatment .
In a continuing effort to better define the role of androgen receptors in breast cancer, researchers examined the relationship between the presence of androgen receptors and breast cancer survival . Information on androgen receptor status and breast cancer survival was collected from nearly 1,500 postmenopausal breast cancer patients enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study. Analysis of the link between androgen receptor status, estrogen receptor status, and breast cancer survival showed
Overall, nearly 79% of breast cancer tumors expressed androgen receptors.
88% of ER[+] breast cancer tumors expressed androgen receptors. In contrast, only 43% of ER[-] breast cancer tumors also had androgen receptors.
Among breast cancer patients with ER[+] breast cancer, the presence of androgen receptors was linked to a 32% decreased risk of death due to breast cancer and a 30% decreased risk of death due to any cause.
An opposite relationship was observed in breast cancer patients with ER[-] breast cancer. In these patients, the presence of androgen receptors was linked to a 59% increased risk for dying from breast cancer.
These are interesting and potentially important research results that continue to provide more detailed information on the possible impact of androgen receptors on breast cancer outcomes. Based on these results, it appears that the impact of androgen receptors might depend on the estrogen receptor status of the breast cancer tumors. Among ER[+] breast cancers, androgen receptors seem to increase breast cancer survival. In contrast, the presence of androgen receptors appears to decrease breast cancer survival in patients with ER[-] breast cancer. Determining the estrogen receptor status of patients breast cancer is a standard step in breast cancer diagnosis; however these results suggest that assessing androgen receptors on a regular basis might also be important when determining an appropriate and individualized approach to breast cancer treatment. The presence of androgen receptors in ER[-] breast cancers might dictate a more aggressive therapeutic approach to overcome the higher risk of poorer outcomes in these patients.
To learn about diet and lifestyle choices to reduce your breast cancer risk, read my FREE book FIGHT NOW: EAT & LIVE PROACTIVELY AGAINST BREAST CANCER . Please recommend to anyone interested in breast cancer, breast cancer treatment, and breast cancer symptoms.
In a continuing effort to better define the role of androgen receptors in breast cancer, researchers examined the relationship between the presence of androgen receptors and breast cancer survival . Information on androgen receptor status and breast cancer survival was collected from nearly 1,500 postmenopausal breast cancer patients enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study. Analysis of the link between androgen receptor status, estrogen receptor status, and breast cancer survival showed
- Overall, nearly 79% of breast cancer tumors expressed androgen receptors.
- 88% of ER[+] breast cancer tumors expressed androgen receptors. In contrast, only 43% of ER[-] breast cancer tumors also had androgen receptors.
- Among breast cancer patients with ER[+] breast cancer, the presence of androgen receptors was linked to a 32% decreased risk of death due to breast cancer and a 30% decreased risk of death due to any cause.
- An opposite relationship was observed in breast cancer patients with ER[-] breast cancer. In these patients, the presence of androgen receptors was linked to a 59% increased risk for dying from breast cancer.
These are interesting and potentially important research results that continue to provide more detailed information on the possible impact of androgen receptors on breast cancer outcomes. Based on these results, it appears that the impact of androgen receptors might depend on the estrogen receptor status of the breast cancer tumors. Among ER[+] breast cancers, androgen receptors seem to increase breast cancer survival. In contrast, the presence of androgen receptors appears to decrease breast cancer survival in patients with ER[-] breast cancer. Determining the estrogen receptor status of patients breast cancer is a standard step in breast cancer diagnosis; however these results suggest that assessing androgen receptors on a regular basis might also be important when determining an appropriate and individualized approach to breast cancer treatment. The presence of androgen receptors in ER[-] breast cancers might dictate a more aggressive therapeutic approach to overcome the higher risk of poorer outcomes in these patients.To learn about diet and lifestyle choices to reduce your breast cancer risk, read my FREE book FIGHT NOW: EAT & LIVE PROACTIVELY AGAINST BREAST CANCER . Please recommend to anyone interested in breast cancer, breast cancer treatment, and breast cancer symptoms.