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Kim JH, Bae GH, Jung J, Noh TI. Secondary Cancer after Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Prostate Cancer: A Nationwide Study. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:42.e34. [PMID: 38606859 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Androgen signaling is associated with various secondary cancer, which could be promising for potential treatment using androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). This study investigated whether ADT use was associated with secondary cancers other than prostate cancer in a nationwide population-based cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total, 278,434 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2017 were identified. After applying the exclusion criteria, 170,416 men were enrolled. The study cohort was divided into ADT and non-ADT groups by individual matching followed by propensity score matching (PSM). Study outcomes were incidence of all male cancers. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of events. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, a total of 11,059 deaths (6,329 in the ADT group and 4,730 in the non-ADT group) after PSM were found. After PSM, the overall all-cause of secondary cancer incidence risk of the ADT group was higher than that of the non-ADT group (HR: 1.312, 95% CI: 1.23-1.36; adjusted HR: 1.344, 95% CI: 1.29-1.40). The ADT group showed higher risk of overall brain and other central nervous system (CNS) cancer-specific incidence than the non-ADT group (adjusted HR: 1.648, 95% CI: 1.21-2.24). The ADT group showed lower risks of overall cancer-specific incidence for stomach, colon/rectum, liver/inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gall bladder/extrahepatic bile duct, lung, bladder, and kidney cancers than the non-ADT group. When the duration of ADT was more than 2 years of ADT, the ADT group showed higher risk of cancer-specific incidence for brain and other CNS cancers but lower risk of cancer-specific incidence for liver/IBD and lung cancers than the non-ADT group. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that ADT could affect cancer-specific incidence for various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Heon Kim
- Department of Urology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gi Hwan Bae
- Artificial Intelligence and Big-Data Convergence Center, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jaehun Jung
- Artificial Intelligence and Big-Data Convergence Center, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
| | - Tae Il Noh
- Department of Urology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Tien AH, Sadar MD. Treatments Targeting the Androgen Receptor and Its Splice Variants in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1817. [PMID: 38339092 PMCID: PMC10855698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a major cause of death worldwide. The complexity of endocrine regulation in breast cancer may allow the cancer cells to escape from a particular treatment and result in resistant and aggressive disease. These breast cancers usually have fewer treatment options. Targeted therapies for cancer patients may offer fewer adverse side effects because of specificity compared to conventional chemotherapy. Signaling pathways of nuclear receptors, such as the estrogen receptor (ER), have been intensively studied and used as therapeutic targets. Recently, the role of the androgen receptor (AR) in breast cancer is gaining greater attention as a therapeutic target and as a prognostic biomarker. The expression of constitutively active truncated AR splice variants in breast cancer is a possible mechanism contributing to treatment resistance. Therefore, targeting both the full-length AR and AR variants, either through the activation or suppression of AR function, depending on the status of the ER, progesterone receptor, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, may provide additional treatment options. Studies targeting AR in combination with other treatment strategies are ongoing in clinical trials. The determination of the status of nuclear receptors to classify and identify patient subgroups will facilitate optimized and targeted combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy H. Tien
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Marianne D. Sadar
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada
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3
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Santos MMD, Frasson AL, Silva VDD, Maciel ADCA, Watte G, Werutsky G, Reinert T, Fay AP. Core Needle Biopsy Accuracy for Androgen Receptor Expression in Invasive Breast Cancer. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2023; 45:e535-e541. [PMID: 37846186 PMCID: PMC10579921 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1772486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breast cancer (BC) biomarkers, such as hormone receptors expression, are crucial to guide therapy in BC patients. Antiandrogens have been studied in BC; however, limited data are available on androgen receptor (AR) expression test methodology. We aim to report the core needle biopsy (CNB) accuracy for AR expression in BC. METHODS Patients diagnosed with stage I-III invasive BC from a single institution were included. Androgen receptor expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using 1 and 10% cutoff and the AR expression in surgical specimens (SS) was the gold standard. Kappa coefficients were used to evaluate the intraprocedural agreement. RESULTS A total of 72 patients were included, with a mean age of 61 years old and 84% were Luminal A or B tumors. The prevalence of AR expression in all BC samples was 87.5% using a cutoff ≥ 10% in SS. With a cutoff value ≥ 1%, CNB had an accuracy of 95.8% (Kappa value = 0.645; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.272-1.000; p < 0.001) and 86.1% (Kappa value = 0.365; 95% CI: 0.052-0.679; p < 0.001) when ≥ 10% cutoff was used for AR positivity. Androgen receptor expression in CNB (cutoff ≥ 1%) had a sensitivity of 98.5%, specificity of 60%, positive predictive value of 97.0%, and a negative predictive value of 76.9% in the detection of AR expression in SS. CONCLUSION Core needle biopsy has good accuracy in evaluating AR expression in BC. The accuracy of CNB decreases with higher cutoff values for AR positivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelle Morais dos Santos
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Antonio Luiz Frasson
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Guilherme Watte
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Werutsky
- School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tomás Reinert
- School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Oncoclínicas, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - André Poisl Fay
- School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Oncoclínicas, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Venugopal S, Kaur B, Verma A, Wadhwa P, Magan M, Hudda S, Kakoty V. Recent advances of benzimidazole as anticancer agents. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 102:357-376. [PMID: 37009821 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, with 9.6 million deaths yearly. As a life-threatening disease, it necessitates the emergence of new therapies. Resistance to current chemotherapies drives scientists to develop new medications that will eventually be accessible. Because heterocycles are so common in biological substances, compounds play a big part in the variety of medications that have been developed. The "Master Key" is the benzimidazole nucleus, which consists of a six-membered benzene ring fused with a five-membered imidazole/imidazoline ring, which is an azapyrrole. One of the five-membered aromatic nitrogen heterocycles identified in American therapies that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Our results show that benzimidazole's broad therapeutic spectrum is due to its structural isosteres with purine, which improves hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions with topoisomerase complexes, intercalation with DNA, and other functions. It also enhances protein and nucleic acid inhibition, tubulin microtubule degeneration, apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, and other functions. Additionally, readers for designing the more recent benzimidazole analogues as prospective cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Venugopal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India
| | - Balwinder Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India
| | - Anil Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India
| | - Pankaj Wadhwa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India
| | - Muskan Magan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India
| | - Sharwan Hudda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India
| | - Violina Kakoty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India
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Giotis ES, Cil E, Brooke GN. Use of Antiandrogens as Therapeutic Agents in COVID-19 Patients. Viruses 2022; 14:2728. [PMID: 36560732 PMCID: PMC9788624 DOI: 10.3390/v14122728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2), is estimated to have caused over 6.5 million deaths worldwide. The emergence of fast-evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern alongside increased transmissibility and/or virulence, as well as immune and vaccine escape capabilities, highlight the urgent need for more effective antivirals to combat the disease in the long run along with regularly updated vaccine boosters. One of the early risk factors identified during the COVID-19 pandemic was that men are more likely to become infected by the virus, more likely to develop severe disease and exhibit a higher likelihood of hospitalisation and mortality rates compared to women. An association exists between SARS-CoV-2 infectiveness and disease severity with sex steroid hormones and, in particular, androgens. Several studies underlined the importance of the androgen-mediated regulation of the host protease TMPRSS2 and the cell entry protein ACE2, as well as the key role of these factors in the entry of the virus into target cells. In this context, modulating androgen signalling is a promising strategy to block viral infection, and antiandrogens could be used as a preventative measure at the pre- or early hospitalisation stage of COVID-19 disease. Different antiandrogens, including commercial drugs used to treat metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer and other conditions, have been tested as antivirals with varying success. In this review, we summarise the most recent updates concerning the use of antiandrogens as prophylactic and therapeutic options for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstathios S. Giotis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Emine Cil
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Greg N. Brooke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
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Michmerhuizen AR, Lerner LM, Ward C, Pesch AM, Zhang A, Schwartz R, Wilder-Romans K, Eisner JR, Rae JM, Pierce LJ, Speers CW. Androgen and oestrogen receptor co-expression determines the efficacy of hormone receptor-mediated radiosensitisation in breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:927-936. [PMID: 35618789 PMCID: PMC9427858 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01849-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation therapy (RT) and hormone receptor (HR) inhibition are used for the treatment of HR-positive breast cancers; however, little is known about the interaction of the androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) in response to RT in AR-positive, ER-positive (AR+/ER+) breast cancers. Here we assessed radiosensitisation of AR+/ER+ cell lines using pharmacologic or genetic inhibition/degradation of AR and/or ER. METHODS Radiosensitisation was assessed with AR antagonists (enzalutamide, apalutamide, darolutamide, seviteronel, ARD-61), ER antagonists (tamoxifen, fulvestrant) or using knockout of AR. RESULTS Treatment with AR antagonists or ER antagonists in combination with RT did not result in radiosensitisation changes (radiation enhancement ratios [rER]: 0.76-1.21). Fulvestrant treatment provided significant radiosensitisation of CAMA-1 and BT-474 cells (rER: 1.06-2.0) but not ZR-75-1 cells (rER: 0.9-1.11). Combining tamoxifen with enzalutamide did not alter radiosensitivity using a 1 h or 1-week pretreatment (rER: 0.95-1.14). Radiosensitivity was unchanged in AR knockout compared to Cas9 cells (rER: 1.07 ± 0.11), and no additional radiosensitisation was achieved with tamoxifen or fulvestrant compared to Cas9 cells (rER: 0.84-1.19). CONCLUSION While radiosensitising in AR + TNBC, AR inhibition does not modulate radiation sensitivity in AR+/ER+ breast cancer. The efficacy of ER antagonists in combination with RT may also be dependent on AR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R Michmerhuizen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lynn M Lerner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Connor Ward
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andrea M Pesch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amanda Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rachel Schwartz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kari Wilder-Romans
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - James M Rae
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lori J Pierce
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Corey W Speers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Cao J, Hacking S, Chavarria-Bernal HD, Bhuiya TA, Khutti S. Androgen Receptor Immunohistochemical Expression in Undifferentiated/Dedifferentiated Endometrial Carcinoma. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2022; 41:28-34. [PMID: 33399351 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Uterine undifferentiated (UC)/dedifferentiated (DEAC) carcinomas are rare malignant neoplasms. They tend to pursue an aggressive clinical course with an advanced stage at presentation. It has been found that androgen receptor (AR) might play a role as a prognostic and therapeutic marker in endometrial carcinoma. However, its expression in UC/DEAC has not been investigated. Herein, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of AR along with estrogen receptor (ER), progestin receptor (PR), and HER2 in UC/DEAC and also in other subtypes of high-grade endometrial carcinomas. Review of our pathology database over the period of 2011 to 2019 identified 16 UC/DEAC cases (N=16). We also randomly selected other high-grade endometrial carcinomas including FIGO 3 endometrioid carcinoma (N=9), serous carcinoma (N=8), clear cell carcinoma (N=12) and carcinosarcoma (N=10) for comparison. Immunohistochemical stains for AR, ER, PR, and HER2 were performed on all 55 cases. The protein expression was evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively. In DEAC cases both the undifferentiated component and the well-differentiated component were recorded separately. Overall, variable degrees of AR reactivity (by Allred scoring method) was present in 63% of UC/DEACs(10/16), 67% of FIGO 3 endometrioid carcinomas (6/9), 88% of serous carcinomas (7/8), 80% of carcinosarcomas (8/10), and 9% of clear cell carcinoma (1/12). AR expression was most often seen with PR (70%) or ER (60%) staining in UC/DEACs. Thirteen cases of UC/DEACs were positive for at least 1 hormone receptor. HER2 was negative in all UC/DEACs. Almost all other high-grade carcinoma cases were negative for HER2 except 20% of carcinosarcoma (2/10) and 13% of serous carcinoma (1/8) which showed 3+ HER2. Loss of AR appears to be associated with worse clinicopathologic parameters in UC/DEAC. AR is highly expressed in UC/DEAC, and in the majority of FIGO 3 endometrioid carcinomas, serous carcinomas, and carcinosarcoma. These findings suggest a potential role for androgen inhibitors in the management of patients with these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell School of Medicine, Hempstead, New York
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Phung HT, Nguyen CV, Mai NT, Vu HTN, Pham KH, Tran GL. Impact of Androgen Receptor Expression and the AR:ER Ratio on the Survival Outcomes in the Diverse Subgroups of Vietnamese Breast Cancer: A Single Institutional Retrospective Cohort Analysis. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2022; 21:15330338221080941. [PMID: 35379053 PMCID: PMC8988687 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221080941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The androgen receptor (AR) has recently emerged as a useful marker for the more favorable prognosis and better outcomes among women with estrogen receptor (ER) + ve breast cancer (BC) and the further refinement of BC subtype. Furthermore, AR expression in ER − ve tumors has a particular prognostic significance. Additionally, the ratio of nuclear AR to ER may critically have an influence on tumor biology and respond to endocrine therapy. Purpose: To define the AR expression and AR:ER ratio, and explored their correlation with the clinicopathological features, prognosis, and survival outcomes in the various subclasses of invasive BC. Methods: The current study was conducted on 522 BC patients who had surgical operations, without neoadjuvant chemotherapy by applying a retrospective cohort analysis. The clinicopathological characteristics were recorded. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on AR, ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67. Expression of AR was paired into different immunophenotypes for analysis with clinicopathological features and survival. All BC patients’ survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and log-rank models. Results: The presence of AR was detected in 65.3%. Positive AR, the ratio of AR:ER<2, luminal androgen receptor (LAR) + and AR + HER2 + immunophenotypes were significantly associated with better prognostic features. AR:ER<2 was observed in the prolonged overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) (87.9 and 86.2%, respectively) compared to AR:ER≥2 (25.0% in both) (P < .001). In contrast, in HR + ve BCs, the AR expression was not significantly correlated with survival. The multivariate model revealed that the ratio of nuclear AR to ER remained as an independent prognostic variable. Conclusion: The AR expression had a distinct OS and DFS. The AR:ER ratio is an independent indicator for predicting the OS and DFS of BC patients in both univariate and multivariate analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chu Van Nguyen
- National Cancer Hospital, Vietnam.,Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam
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The Other Side of the Coin: May Androgens Have a Role in Breast Cancer Risk? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010424. [PMID: 35008851 PMCID: PMC8745651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer prevention is a major challenge worldwide. During the last few years, efforts have been made to identify molecular breast tissue factors that could be linked to an increased risk of developing the disease in healthy women. In this concern, steroid hormones and their receptors are key players since they are deeply involved in the growth, development and lifetime changes of the mammary gland and play a crucial role in breast cancer development and progression. In particular, androgens, by binding their own receptor, seem to exert a dichotomous effect, as they reduce cell proliferation in estrogen receptor α positive (ERα+) breast cancers while promoting tumour growth in the ERα negative ones. Despite this intricate role in cancer, very little is known about the impact of androgen receptor (AR)-mediated signalling on normal breast tissue and its correlation to breast cancer risk factors. Through an accurate collection of experimental and epidemiological studies, this review aims to elucidate whether androgens might influence the susceptibility for breast cancer. Moreover, the possibility to exploit the AR as a useful marker to predict the disease will be also evaluated.
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Kowalczyk W, Waliszczak G, Jach R, Dulińska-Litewka J. Steroid Receptors in Breast Cancer: Understanding of Molecular Function as a Basis for Effective Therapy Development. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4779. [PMID: 34638264 PMCID: PMC8507808 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains one of the most important health problems worldwide. The family of steroid receptors (SRs), which comprise estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), androgen (AR), glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors, along with a receptor for a secosteroid-vitamin D, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease. They function predominantly as nuclear receptors to regulate gene expression, however, their full spectrum of action reaches far beyond this basic mechanism. SRs are involved in a vast variety of interactions with other proteins, including extensive crosstalk with each other. How they affect the biology of a breast cell depends on such factors as post-translational modifications, expression of coregulators, or which SR isoform is predominantly synthesized in a given cellular context. Although ER has been successfully utilized as a breast cancer therapy target for years, research on therapeutic application of other SRs is still ongoing. Designing effective hormone therapies requires thorough understanding of the molecular function of the SRs. Over the past decades, huge amount of data was obtained in multiple studies exploring this field, therefore in this review we attempt to summarize the current knowledge in a comprehensive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Kowalczyk
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 7 Kopernika St., 31-034 Kraków, Poland; (W.K.); (G.W.)
| | - Grzegorz Waliszczak
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 7 Kopernika St., 31-034 Kraków, Poland; (W.K.); (G.W.)
| | - Robert Jach
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 23 Kopernika St., 31-501 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Joanna Dulińska-Litewka
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 7 Kopernika St., 31-034 Kraków, Poland; (W.K.); (G.W.)
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Ahram M, Bawadi R, Abdullah MS, Alsafadi DB, Abaza H, Abdallah S, Mustafa E. Involvement of β-catenin in Androgen-induced Mesenchymal Transition of Breast MDA-MB-453 Cancer Cells. Endocr Res 2021; 46:114-128. [PMID: 33703980 DOI: 10.1080/07435800.2021.1895829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The cellular and molecular dynamics of DHT-induced EMT in MDA-MB-453 cells were investigated.Methods:PCR arrays were used to examine the expression of EMT-regulatory genes. Immunoblotting was used to detect protein levels and confirm protein-protein interaction following immunoprecipitation. Immunofluorescence was used to observe rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton and cell morphology. Cell migration was assessed by transwell assayResults: Change of cell morphology was concomitant with increased cell migration after treating cells with DHT. Exposure of cells to DHT for one hour was sufficient to induce changes in cell morphology and actin cytoskeleton after 72 hours indicating altered gene expression. A long-term lasting nuclear translocation of AR was observed after a short exposure of cells to DHT. Investigating the expression of 84 EMT-related genes revealed down-expression of β-catenin, N-cadherin, and TCF-4 and increased expression of Slug, all of which were confirmed at the protein level. Yet, not only early interaction of AR and β-catenin was observed following AR activation, inhibition of β-catenin blocked DHT-induced mesenchymal transition and migration. Wnt signaling was found to be partially important in DHT-induced morphological alteration. The mesenchymal transition of cells could be induced by treating cells with an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, an enzyme that inhibits β-catenin; this morphological transition could be reversed by antagonizing AR suggesting that AR functions downstream of β-catenin.Conclusions: These results suggest that MDA-MB-453 cells undergo partial EMT induced by DHT, β-catenin is critical for this phenotypic change, and AR probably reciprocally mediates the mesenchymal transition of these cells upon activation of GSK-3 β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamoun Ahram
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Randa Bawadi
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad S Abdullah
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology, and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Dana B Alsafadi
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology, and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Haneen Abaza
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology, and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sallam Abdallah
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ebtihal Mustafa
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Salibian AA, Axelrod DM, Smith JA, Fischer BA, Agarwal C, Bluebond-Langner R. Oncologic Considerations for Safe Gender-Affirming Mastectomy: Preoperative Imaging, Pathologic Evaluation, Counseling, and Long-Term Screening. Plast Reconstr Surg 2021; 147:213e-221e. [PMID: 33565823 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000007589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY There remain significant gaps in the evidence-based care of patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy with regard to implications for breast cancer development and screening. The current clinical evidence does not demonstrate an increased risk of breast cancer secondary to testosterone therapy in transgender patients. Gender-affirmation mastectomy techniques vary significantly with regard to the amount of residual breast tissue left behind, which has unknown implications for the incidence of postoperative breast cancer and need for screening. Subcutaneous mastectomy should aim to remove all gross breast parenchyma, although this is limited in certain techniques. Tissue specimens should also be routinely sent for pathologic analysis. Several cases of incidental breast cancer after subcutaneous mastectomy have been described. There is little evidence on the need for or types of postoperative cancer screening. Chest awareness is an important concept for patients that have undergone subcutaneous mastectomies, as clinical examination remains the most common reported method of postmastectomy malignancy detection. In patients with greater known retained breast tissue, such as those with circumareolar or pedicled techniques, consideration may be given to alternative imaging modalities, although the efficacy and cost-utility of these techniques must still be proven. Preoperative patient counseling on the risk of breast cancer after gender-affirming mastectomy in addition to the unknown implications of residual breast tissue and long-term androgen exposure is critical. Patient awareness and education play an important role in shared decision-making, as further research is needed to define standards of medical and oncologic care in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ara A Salibian
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, the Department of Surgery, and the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health; the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery; and the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Utah
| | - Deborah M Axelrod
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, the Department of Surgery, and the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health; the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery; and the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Utah
| | - Julia A Smith
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, the Department of Surgery, and the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health; the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery; and the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Utah
| | - Beverly A Fischer
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, the Department of Surgery, and the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health; the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery; and the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Utah
| | - Cori Agarwal
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, the Department of Surgery, and the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health; the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery; and the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Utah
| | - Rachel Bluebond-Langner
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, the Department of Surgery, and the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health; the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery; and the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Utah
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Abu Shahin N, Aladily T, Abu Alhaj N, Al-Khader A, Alqaqa S, Aljaberi R, Amer L, Elshebli S. Differential Expression of Androgen Receptor in Type I and Type II Endometrial Carcinomas: A Clinicopathological Analysis and Correlation with Outcome. Oman Med J 2021; 36:e245. [PMID: 33833869 PMCID: PMC8015675 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2021.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Endometrial carcinomas (EC) are the most common gynecological malignancies and are conventionally divided into type I and type II due to diagnostic and prognostic considerations. Female hormone expression in EC is extensively studied; however, data about androgen receptor (AR) expression in EC are sparse. We aimed to study AR expression in different types of EC at our institute and whether it had an impact on patient outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis of EC cases diagnosed and treated from 2010–2019. AR immunohistochemical expression was tested in 52 EC cases (type I = 40; type II = 12). Histological typing was verified according to conventional diagnostic criteria. Only primary EC were included without neoadjuvant therapy. Histologic score was calculated as: stain intensity (graded 0–3) × positive cells percentage (graded 0–4). Level of expression was scored from 0 to 12. Results The mean age of the selected patients was 60.3 years (range = 31–88 ± 12.6). Recurrence was detected in 11 (21.2%) patients. The outcome was 40 patients were alive without disease, eight alive with disease, three dead of disease, and one dead of other causes. About 62.5% of type I-EC and 25.0% of type II-EC were AR positive. AR expression was analyzed against different clinicopathological parameters including: type (p = 0.005), histotype (p = 0.044); grade (p = 0.035); age group (p = 0.207); menopause (p = 0.086); estrogen receptor (ER) expression (p = 0.284); atypical complex hyperplasia (p = 0.594); tumor stage (p = 0.994); tumor recurrence (p = 0.530); node status (p = 0.110); and outcome (p = 0.202). Conclusion AR expression was higher in type I EC, endometrial endometrioid carcinoma histotype, and with a lower grade. AR expression was not significantly correlated with age, stage, ER, atypical hyperplasia, recurrence, node status, or outcome. Results agree with recent literature that AR expression is associated with better-differentiated EC and may be a potential hormonal therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisreen Abu Shahin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Tariq Aladily
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Nezeen Abu Alhaj
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ali Al-Khader
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan
| | - Shefa Alqaqa
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan
| | | | - Lama Amer
- Faculty of Medicine,University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Molecular Biomarkers for Contemporary Therapies in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020285. [PMID: 33671468 PMCID: PMC7922594 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer is undergoing a renaissance, with a number of targeted therapies including CDK4/6, mTOR, and PI3K inhibitors now approved for use in combination with endocrine therapies. The increased use of targeted therapies has changed the natural history of HR+ breast cancers, with the emergence of new escape mechanisms leading to the inevitable progression of disease in patients with advanced cancers. The identification of new predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers to current standard-of-care therapies and discovery of new therapies is an evolving and urgent clinical challenge in this setting. While traditional, routinely measured biomarkers such as estrogen receptors (ERs), progesterone receptors (PRs), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) still represent the best prognostic and predictive biomarkers for HR+ breast cancer, a significant proportion of patients either do not respond to endocrine therapy or develop endocrine resistant disease. Genomic tests have emerged as a useful adjunct prognostication tool and guide the addition of chemotherapy to endocrine therapy. In the treatment-resistant setting, mutational profiling has been used to identify ESR1, PIK3CA, and AKT mutations as predictive molecular biomarkers to newer therapies. Additionally, pharmacodynamic biomarkers are being increasingly used and considered in the metastatic setting. In this review, we summarise the current state-of-the-art therapies; prognostic, predictive, and pharmacodynamic molecular biomarkers; and how these are impacted by emerging therapies for HR+ breast cancer.
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Ravindra S, Chavan S. Androgen receptor in breast cancer: A tissue microarray-based study. ARCHIVES OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/amhs.amhs_5_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Wu HT, Lin J, Liu YE, Chen HF, Hsu KW, Lin SH, Peng KY, Lin KJ, Hsieh CC, Chen DR. Luteolin suppresses androgen receptor-positive triple-negative breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by epigenetic regulation of MMP9 expression via the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 81:153437. [PMID: 33352494 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents up to 20% of all breast cancers. This cancer lacks the expression of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The current therapeutic strategy for patients with this subtype is the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy and surgery. Luteolin is a natural herbal flavonoid and a potential therapeutic candidate for multiple diseases. The use of a treatment that combines Chinese herbal medicine and western medicine is rising in Asia. PURPOSE The present study evaluates the effects and molecular mechanisms involved with luteolin treatment and evaluates whether this herb affects androgen receptor-positive breast cancer cell proliferation or metastasis. STUDY DESIGN In vitro evaluation of the effect of luteolin on androgen receptor-positive TNBC cell proliferation and metastasis METHODS: Cell viability analysis was used for the cytotoxicity test. Colony formation and Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining-based proliferation experiments were used for cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell assays were used for in vitro migration/invasion. The RT-qPCR analysis was used for gene expression. Furthermore, ChIP-qPCR analysis was used for epigenetic modification of gene promoters. RESULTS Luteolin significantly inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of androgen receptor-positive TNBC. Furthermore, luteolin inactivated the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The combination of luteolin and inhibitors of AKT/mTOR synergistically repressed an androgen receptor-positive TNBC cell proliferation and metastasis. Luteolin also downregulated MMP9 expression by decreasing the levels of the AKT/mTOR promoting H3K27Ac and H3K56A on the MMP9 promoter region. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that luteolin inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of androgen receptor-positive TNBC by regulating MMP9 expression through a reduction in the levels of AKT/mTOR-inducing H3K27Ac and H3K56Ac.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Tsang Wu
- Department of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Joseph Lin
- Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan; Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Tunghai University, Taichung 40704, Taiwan
| | - Yi-En Liu
- Cancer Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Fan Chen
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Wen Hsu
- Research Center for Tumor Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Kuo-Juei Lin
- Department of Surgery, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 824, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Chi Hsieh
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Tunghai University, Taichung 40704, Taiwan.
| | - Dar-Ren Chen
- Department of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan; Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan; Cancer Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan.
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Song Y, Huang R, Wu S, Zheng H, Guo M, Fu L, Yu S. Diagnostic and prognostic role of NR3C4 in breast cancer through a genomic network understanding. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 217:153310. [PMID: 33348168 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.153310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR, NR3C4) is believed to participate in the development of breast cancer, but its molecular mechanism and role in prognosis is still controversial and opaque. This study aimed to explore the expression, associations with clinicopathologic features and underlying molecular mechanisms of AR in breast cancer. The present study investigated invasive breast carcinoma through comprehensive bioinformatics. The expression and mutation rate of AR in breast cancer was obtained from the TCGA database. Training survival prediction analysis was applied to the data extracted from the KM plotter database. The prediction of the survival cohort was validated using the bcGenExMiner database in breast cancer molecular subgroups. Represented immunohistochemical images of AR and its related expression with the molecular subtype status were generated. The underlying molecular mechanism for AR in breast cancer was analyzed with the GEO dataset and Gene Ontology. A protein-to-protein interaction network and core pathways were constructed to show the protein functions with AR. Our results show that AR expression was significantly higher in cancerous tissue than in normal breast tissue and differentially expressed in the clinical stages. AR would also generally be considered as a favorable prognostic biomarker when including the major molecular subtypes of breast cancer. AR IHC staining could be easily used in clinical applications. The major molecular functions for AR were regulating the cell cycle checkpoints and chromatin remodeling. Our investigation showed that AR expression level could be used as a favorable and independent prognostic prediction factor for the disease-free survival time in breast cancer, especially for the ER-positive subgroup. However, AR was not a sensitive prognostic biomarker for the prediction of overall survival time or for the PR and TBC subgroups. In terms of the underlying molecular mechanism, AR may mainly participate in the cell cycle checkpoints related to the G1/S transition of the mitotic cell cycle to control the subdivision of the epithelial terminal unit and chromatin remodeling in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Song
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, China; Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, China; Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China.
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China.
| | - Siyu Wu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China.
| | - Hongyan Zheng
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China.
| | - Mian Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China.
| | - Li Fu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, China.
| | - Shan Yu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China.
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Michmerhuizen AR, Spratt DE, Pierce LJ, Speers CW. ARe we there yet? Understanding androgen receptor signaling in breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2020; 6:47. [PMID: 33062889 PMCID: PMC7519666 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-020-00190-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of androgen receptor (AR) activation and expression is well understood in prostate cancer. In breast cancer, expression and activation of AR is increasingly recognized for its role in cancer development and its importance in promoting cell growth in the presence or absence of estrogen. As both prostate and breast cancers often share a reliance on nuclear hormone signaling, there is increasing appreciation of the overlap between activated cellular pathways in these cancers in response to androgen signaling. Targeting of the androgen receptor as a monotherapy or in combination with other conventional therapies has proven to be an effective clinical strategy for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer, and these therapeutic strategies are increasingly being investigated in breast cancer. This overlap suggests that targeting androgens and AR signaling in other cancer types may also be effective. This manuscript will review the role of AR in various cellular processes that promote tumorigenesis and metastasis, first in prostate cancer and then in breast cancer, as well as discuss ongoing efforts to target AR for the more effective treatment and prevention of cancer, especially breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R Michmerhuizen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Daniel E Spratt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Lori J Pierce
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Corey W Speers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
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Influence of Androgen Receptor on the Prognosis of Breast Cancer. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9041083. [PMID: 32290220 PMCID: PMC7230528 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9041083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the prognostic influence of androgen receptor (AR) on breast cancer. AR status was assessed using immunohistochemistry with tissue microarrays from 395 operable primary breast cancer patients who received curative surgery. The Kaplan–Meier estimator was used to analyze the survival rates and a log-rank test was used to determine the significance of the differences in survival. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of survival. There were 203 (51.4%) subjects with a low expression of AR, and 192 patients (48.6%) with a high expression rate. The high AR expression group showed superior overall survival (p = 0.047) and disease-free survival (p = 0.004) when compared with the low AR expression group. The high AR expression group showed superior systemic recurrence-free survival when compared with the low AR expression group (p = 0.027). AR was an independent prognostic factor for both overall survival (HR, 0.586; 95% CI, 0.381–0.901; p = 0.015) and disease-free survival (HR, 0.430; 95% CI, 0.274–0.674; p < 0.001). A high AR expression was a significant favorable prognostic factor only in the subgroups with positive hormone receptors (HRc) and negative human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) when considering disease-free survival (p = 0.026). The high AR expression group was significantly associated with superior overall survival and disease-free survival when compared with the low AR expression group with breast cancer patients. AR was a significant independent prognostic factor for both overall survival and disease-free survival. The prognostic impact of AR was valid in the HRc(+)/HER2(−) subtype when considering disease-free survival. These findings suggest the clinical usefulness of AR as a prognostic marker of breast cancer in clinical settings.
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Contreras-Zárate MJ, Cittelly DM. Sex steroid hormone function in the brain niche: Implications for brain metastatic colonization and progression. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2020; 5:e1241. [PMID: 33350105 PMCID: PMC8022872 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While sex hormones and their receptors play well-known roles in progression of primary tumors through direct action on sex steroid hormone-responsive cancer cells, emerging evidence suggest that hormones also play important roles in metastatic progression by modulating the tumor microenvironment. Estrogens and androgens synthesized in gonads and within the brain influence memory, behavior, and outcomes of brain pathologies. Yet, their impact on brain metastatic colonization and progression is just beginning to be explored. RECENT FINDINGS Estradiol and testosterone cross the blood-brain barrier and are synthesized de novo in astrocytes and other cells within the adult brain. Circulating and brain-synthesized estrogens have been shown to promote brain metastatic colonization of tumors lacking estrogen receptors (ERs), through mechanisms involving the upregulation of growth factors and neurotrophins in ER+ reactive astrocytes. In this review, we discuss additional mechanisms by which hormones may influence brain metastases, through modulation of brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, and microglia. CONCLUSION A greater understanding of hormone-brain-tumor interactions may shed further light on the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of cancer cells to the brain niche, and provide therapeutic alternatives modulating the brain metastatic niche.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana M Cittelly
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado
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21
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Sánchez-Zamorano LM, Angeles-Llerenas A, Salinas-Rodríguez A, Lazcano-Ponce EC, Romieu I, Pérez-Rodríguez E, Flores-Luna L, Torres-Mejía G. Synergistic action of folate intake and testosterone associated with breast cancer risk. Nutr Res 2019; 71:100-110. [PMID: 31757629 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The amount of irreparable DNA damage is a function of the rate of cell division, and the association between sex hormones and the risk of breast cancer has been explained by an increase in cell division. Folate intake insufficiency leads to disturbances in DNA replication and DNA repair. We hypothesized that folate intake insufficiency and high serum concentrations of sex hormones act synergistically on the risk of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between sex hormones (exposure of interest A) and dietary folate intake (exposure of interest B) on the risk of breast cancer. We included 342 breast cancer primary postmenopausal cases and 294 controls obtained from a large population-based case-control study. Multiple conditional logistic regression models were used for the analysis and interactions were tested. The joint effect of the lowest dietary folate intake (T1 < 259.40 mg/d) and the highest serum concentration of testosterone (T3 ≥ 0.410 on the risk of breast cancer was odds ratio = 9.18 (95% confidence interval 2.56-32.88) when compared to the lowest-risk category, namely, the group of women with the highest dietary folate intake (T3 > 381.29 mg/d) and the lowest serum concentration of testosterone (T1 ≤ 0.25 pg/mL). There were some indications that the estimated join effect was greater than the product of the estimated effects alone (P = .001). These findings have important public health implications with respect to reducing the risk of the most frequent cancer in women worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa María Sánchez-Zamorano
- Population Health Research Center, National Institute of Public Health, Avenida Universidad No. 655, Colonia Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62100, Mexico.
| | - Angélica Angeles-Llerenas
- Population Health Research Center, National Institute of Public Health, Avenida Universidad No. 655, Colonia Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62100, Mexico.
| | - Aaron Salinas-Rodríguez
- Evaluation and Surveys Research Center, National Institute of Public Health, Avenida Universidad No. 655, Colonia Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62100, Mexico.
| | - Eduardo C Lazcano-Ponce
- Population Health Research Center, National Institute of Public Health, Avenida Universidad No. 655, Colonia Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62100, Mexico.
| | - Isabelle Romieu
- Population Health Research Center, National Institute of Public Health, Avenida Universidad No. 655, Colonia Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62100, Mexico; Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - Edelmiro Pérez-Rodríguez
- Hospital Universitario, Dr. José Eleuterio González, Gonzalitos 235, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, N.L., Mexico.
| | - Lourdes Flores-Luna
- Population Health Research Center, National Institute of Public Health, Avenida Universidad No. 655, Colonia Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62100, Mexico.
| | - Gabriela Torres-Mejía
- Population Health Research Center, National Institute of Public Health, Avenida Universidad No. 655, Colonia Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62100, Mexico.
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Eraso Y. Oestrogen receptors and breast cancer: are we prepared to move forward? A critical review. BIOSOCIETIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1057/s41292-019-00173-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Pietri E, Massa I, Bravaccini S, Ravaioli S, Tumedei MM, Petracci E, Donati C, Schirone A, Piacentini F, Gianni L, Nicolini M, Campadelli E, Gennari A, Saba A, Campi B, Valmorri L, Andreis D, Fabbri F, Amadori D, Rocca A. Phase II Study of Dehydroepiandrosterone in Androgen Receptor-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer. Oncologist 2019; 24:743-e205. [PMID: 30591548 PMCID: PMC6656524 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2018-0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
LESSONS LEARNED The androgen receptor (AR) is present in most breast cancers (BC), but its exploitation as a therapeutic target has been limited.This study explored the activity of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor being transformed into androgens within BC cells, in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (to block DHEA conversion into estrogens), in a two-stage phase II study in patients with AR-positive/estrogen receptor-positive/human epidermal growth receptor 2-negative metastatic BC.Although well tolerated, only 1 of 12 patients obtained a prolonged clinical benefit, and the study was closed after its first stage for poor activity. BACKGROUND Androgen receptors (AR) are expressed in most breast cancers, and AR-agonists have some activity in these neoplasms. We investigated the safety and activity of the androgen precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) in patients with AR-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC). METHODS A two-stage phase II study was conducted in two patient cohorts, one with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive (resistant to AIs) and the other with triple-negative MBC. DHEA 100 mg/day was administered orally. The combination with an AI aimed to prevent the conversion of DHEA into estrogens. The main endpoint was the clinical benefit rate. The triple-negative cohort was closed early. RESULTS Twelve patients with ER-positive MBC were enrolled. DHEA-related adverse events, reported in four patients, included grade 2 fatigue, erythema, and transaminitis, and grade 1 drowsiness and musculoskeletal pain. Clinical benefit was observed in one patient with ER-positive disease whose tumor had AR gene amplification. There was wide inter- and intra-patient variation in serum levels of DHEA and its metabolites. CONCLUSION DHEA showed excellent safety but poor activity in MBC. Although dose and patient selection could be improved, high serum level variability may hamper further DHEA development in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Pietri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Ilaria Massa
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Bravaccini
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Ravaioli
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Tumedei
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Petracci
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Caterina Donati
- Oncology Pharmacy Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Alessio Schirone
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Federico Piacentini
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Mario Nicolini
- Oncology Day Hospital Unit, Cervesi Hospital, Cattolica, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Gennari
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Saba
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Campi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Linda Valmorri
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Daniele Andreis
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Francesco Fabbri
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Dino Amadori
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Andrea Rocca
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
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24
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Lima ZS, Ghadamzadeh M, Arashloo FT, Amjad G, Ebadi MR, Younesi L. Recent advances of therapeutic targets based on the molecular signature in breast cancer: genetic mutations and implications for current treatment paradigms. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:38. [PMID: 30975222 PMCID: PMC6460547 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0725-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women all over the world. Genetic background of women contributes to her risk of having breast cancer. Certain inherited DNA mutations can dramatically increase the risk of developing certain cancers and are responsible for many of the cancers that run in some families. Regarding the widespread multigene panels, whole exome sequencing is capable of providing the evaluation of genetic function mutations for development novel strategy in clinical trials. Targeting the mutant proteins involved in breast cancer can be an effective therapeutic approach for developing novel drugs. This systematic review discusses gene mutations linked to breast cancer, focusing on signaling pathways that are being targeted with investigational therapeutic strategies, where clinical trials could be potentially initiated in the future are being highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Safarpour Lima
- Shahid Akbar Abadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShCRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Ghadamzadeh
- Departement of Radiology, Hasheminejad Kidney Centre (HKC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ghazaleh Amjad
- Shahid Akbar Abadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShCRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Ebadi
- Shohadaye Haft-e-tir Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ladan Younesi
- Shahid Akbar Abadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShCRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
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25
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Secreto G, Girombelli A, Krogh V. Androgen excess in breast cancer development: implications for prevention and treatment. Endocr Relat Cancer 2019; 26:R81-R94. [PMID: 30403656 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to highlight the pivotal role of androgen excess in the development of breast cancer. Available evidence suggests that testosterone controls breast epithelial growth through a balanced interaction between its two active metabolites: cell proliferation is promoted by estradiol while it is inhibited by dihydrotestosterone. A chronic overproduction of testosterone (e.g. ovarian stromal hyperplasia) results in an increased estrogen production and cell proliferation that are no longer counterbalanced by dihydrotestosterone. This shift in the androgen/estrogen balance partakes in the genesis of ER-positive tumors. The mammary gland is a modified apocrine gland, a fact rarely considered in breast carcinogenesis. When stimulated by androgens, apocrine cells synthesize epidermal growth factor (EGF) that triggers the ErbB family receptors. These include the EGF receptor and the human epithelial growth factor 2, both well known for stimulating cellular proliferation. As a result, an excessive production of androgens is capable of directly stimulating growth in apocrine and apocrine-like tumors, a subset of ER-negative/AR-positive tumors. The key role of androgen excess in the genesis of different subtypes of breast cancer has significant clinical implications for both treatment and prevention. Our belief stems from a thorough analysis of the literature, where an abundance of evidence is present to justify a clinical trial that would investigate the effectiveness of treating the underlying excessive androgen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Secreto
- Epidemiology and Prevention Unit, Fondazione IRCCS - Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Girombelli
- Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, ASST - Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
| | - Vittorio Krogh
- Epidemiology and Prevention Unit, Fondazione IRCCS - Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
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26
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Hironaka-Mitsuhashi A, Tsuda H, Yoshida M, Shimizu C, Asaga S, Hojo T, Tamura K, Kinoshita T, Ushijima T, Hiraoka N, Fujiwara Y. Invasive breast cancers in adolescent and young adult women show more aggressive immunohistochemical and clinical features than those in women aged 40-44 years. Breast Cancer 2018; 26:386-396. [PMID: 30539373 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-018-00937-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited knowledge exists concerning the clinicopathological features of breast cancers (BCs) occurring in adolescent and young adult (AYA) women. We evaluated tumor characteristics in AYA women in comparison with those in middle-aged premenopausal women. METHODS From consecutive AYA patients (< 35-year-old) with invasive BC in a single institute, 82 patients first treated with surgery were examined. As the control group, 82 tumors from middle-aged premenopausal patients (40-44 years) were selected by matching pathological T and N factors. We compared habitual factors, immunohistochemical parameters, and patient outcome between the two groups. RESULTS Most of the study population (148 of 164, 90.2%) were in the early clinical stages (stage I or II). In the AYA group, the number of childbirths was smaller (p < 0.0001), while the volume of alcohol consumption was larger (p < 0.0001), and palpable primary tumors were more frequent (p < 0.01) than in the control group. The positivities of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and androgen receptor were lower (p < 0.001, p = 0.03, and p < 0.001, respectively), and the triple-negative (TN) BCs rates were higher (p < 0.01) in the AYA group. Distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS) curves were different in the whole population (p = 0.02) and in hormone receptor-positive cases (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS We confirmed that BCs occurring in AYA women had more aggressive features than those of the older premenopausal women in terms of a high proportion of TN subtypes and a lower DRFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Hironaka-Mitsuhashi
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.,Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.,Course of Advanced Clinical Research of Cancer, Juntendo Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Tsuda
- Department of Basic Pathology, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Yoshida
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Chikako Shimizu
- Department of Breast and Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.,National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - Sota Asaga
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.,Department of Breast Surgery, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo, 181-8611, Japan
| | - Takashi Hojo
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.,Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan
| | - Kenji Tamura
- Department of Breast and Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kinoshita
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Ushijima
- Course of Advanced Clinical Research of Cancer, Juntendo Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.,Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Hiraoka
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Fujiwara
- Department of Breast and Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
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27
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Braga DL, Mota STS, Zóia MAP, Lima PMAP, Orsolin PC, Vecchi L, Nepomuceno JC, Fürstenau CR, Maia YCP, Goulart LR, Araújo TG. Ethanolic Extracts from Azadirachta indica Leaves Modulate Transcriptional Levels of Hormone Receptor Variant in Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071879. [PMID: 29949923 PMCID: PMC6073126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast Cancer (BC) encompasses numerous entities with different biological and behavioral characteristics, favored by tumor molecular complexity. Azadirachta indica (neem) presents phenolic compounds, indicating its potential as an antineoplastic compound. The present study aimed to evaluate the cellular response of MCF10, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 breast cell lines to ethanolic extracts of neem leaves (EENL) obtained by dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EA) solvent. Extracts’ antiproliferative activities were evaluated against MCF 10A, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 for 24 and 48 h using MTT assay. ESR1, ESR2, AR, AR-V1, AR-V4, and AR-V7 transcripts were quantified through qPCR for 0.03125 μg/mL of DCM and 1.0 μg/mL for EA for 48 h. The EENL was tested on Drosophila melanogaster as a sole treatment and then also together with doxorubicin. Antiproliferative effect on tumor cell lines without affecting MCF 10A were 1.0 µg/mL (P < 0.001) for EA, and 0.03125 µg/mL (P < 0.0001) for DCM, both after 48 h. Transcriptional levels of AR-V7 increased after treatment. In vivo assays demonstrated that EENL induced fewer tumors at a higher concentration with doxorubicin (DXR). The behavior of AR-V7 in the MDA-MB-231 tumor lineage indicates new pathways involved in tumor biology and this may have therapeutic value for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deisi L Braga
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38700-128, Brazil.
| | - Sara T S Mota
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38700-128, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38400-902, Brazil.
| | - Mariana A P Zóia
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38400-902, Brazil.
| | - Paula M A P Lima
- Laboratory of Cytogenetic and Mutagenesis, University Center of Patos de Minas, Patos de Minas-MG 38700-207, Brazil.
| | - Priscila C Orsolin
- Laboratory of Cytogenetic and Mutagenesis, University Center of Patos de Minas, Patos de Minas-MG 38700-207, Brazil.
| | - Lara Vecchi
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38400-902, Brazil.
| | - Júlio C Nepomuceno
- Laboratory of Cytogenetic and Mutagenesis, University Center of Patos de Minas, Patos de Minas-MG 38700-207, Brazil.
| | - Cristina R Fürstenau
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Culture, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38700-128, Brazil.
| | - Yara C P Maia
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38400-902, Brazil.
| | - Luiz Ricardo Goulart
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38400-902, Brazil.
- University of California Davis, Dept. of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Thaise G Araújo
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38700-128, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38400-902, Brazil.
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28
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Estrogen receptor-negative progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer – “Nobody's land“ or just an artifact? Cancer Treat Rev 2018; 67:78-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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29
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Tangen IL, Onyango TB, Kopperud R, Berg A, Halle MK, Øyan AM, Werner HMJ, Trovik J, Kalland KH, Salvesen HB, Krakstad C. Androgen receptor as potential therapeutic target in metastatic endometrial cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:49289-49298. [PMID: 27384477 PMCID: PMC5226508 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The expression and involvement of estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) is extensively studied in endometrial cancer. Androgen receptor (AR) is a hormone receptor less studied in female cancers, and we here aim to investigate the expression level of AR in endometrial cancer precursor lesions, primary tumors and metastases, and its potential as therapeutic target. RESULTS Expression of AR was observed in 93% of hyperplasias, but only in 41% of non-endometrioid tumors. Compared to estrogen and progesterone receptor AR is more commonly expressed in metastatic lesions, and AR status is discordant in primary and metastatic lesions in a large proportion of cases. AR protein level was significantly associated with survival (P < 0.001), and a calculated AR to ERα ratio identified a subgroup of patients with particular poor outcome. The anti-androgen enzalutamide may have a growth inhibitory effect in endometrial cancer cells based on experiments with primary endometrial tumor cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS 718 primary endometrial cancers and 298 metastatic lesions (from 142 patients) were investigated for expression of AR in relation to survival, clinical and histopathological data. Protein levels were investigated by immunohistochemistry and reverse phase protein array; mRNA levels by DNA oligonucleotide microarray. The effect of androgen stimulation and inhibition was tested on primary endometrial tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of metastatic endometrial cancer lesions express AR, which may be a potential target in these patients. Treatment targeting AR may be of particular benefit in patients with high AR levels compared to ERα levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingvild Løberg Tangen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Therese Bredholt Onyango
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Reidun Kopperud
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Anna Berg
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Mari K Halle
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Anne M Øyan
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway.,Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Henrica M J Werner
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Jone Trovik
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Karl Henning Kalland
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway.,Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Helga B Salvesen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Camilla Krakstad
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway.,Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway
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30
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Lyons TG, Traina TA. Androgen Receptor-Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12609-017-0261-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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31
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Majumder A, Singh M, Tyagi SC. Post-menopausal breast cancer: from estrogen to androgen receptor. Oncotarget 2017; 8:102739-102758. [PMID: 29254284 PMCID: PMC5731994 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women, and even though different therapies can treat primary breast tumors, most breast cancer-related deaths (>95%) occur due to metastasis. A majority (~70%) of breast tumors are found to express estrogen receptor, and a significant portion (~90%) of ER-positive (ER+) breast tumors are also androgen receptor-positive (AR+). Although ER is known to promote tumorigenesis, the role and underlying mechanism(s) of AR in these closely knit processes remain controversial. Endocrine therapies are the most commonly used treatment for patients with ER+ breast tumors; but, ~30%-50% of initially responsive patients develop resistance to these therapies. Whereas 70%–90% of all breast tumors are AR+ and AR overexpression is correlated with endocrine resistance, but the precise molecular mechanism(s) for this association is yet to be studied. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to show AR and ER interactions, which indicate that AR may preferentially regulate expression of a subset of ER-responsive genes and that may be responsible for breast cancer and its progression in affected patients. On the other hand, most of the ER+ breast tumors found in post-menopausal women (~80%); and they have very low 17β-estradiol and high androgen levels, but how these hormonal changes make someone more prone to cancer phenotype has long been a disputed issue. In this study, we have discussed multiple molecular mechanisms that we believe are central to the understanding of the overall contributions of AR in breast cancer and its metastasis in post-menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville 40202, Kentucky, USA.,Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville 40202, Kentucky, USA
| | - Mahavir Singh
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville 40202, Kentucky, USA
| | - Suresh C Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville 40202, Kentucky, USA
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32
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Basile D, Cinausero M, Iacono D, Pelizzari G, Bonotto M, Vitale MG, Gerratana L, Puglisi F. Androgen receptor in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer: Beyond expression. Cancer Treat Rev 2017; 61:15-22. [PMID: 29078133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, new therapeutic approaches have reshaped the overall strategy of breast cancer (BC) treatment and have markedly improved patient survival. This is, in part, due to novel therapies for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive BC. Unfortunately, many patients present de novo resistance to these therapies or develop an acquired resistance over time. Therefore, research is now focused on discovering new molecular targets to overcome these resistances. Interestingly, preclinical and clinical studies have shown a critical role for the cross-talk between androgen receptor (AR) and ER in luminal-like BC. AR is expressed in >60% of BC and in up to 90% of ERα-positive tumors. Multiple studies suggest that AR is associated with a favorable prognosis. However, AR overexpression and, in particular, the high AR:ER ratio, seem to be involved in resistance to hormonal treatment. In this setting, a group of BCs could benefit from AR-inhibitors; nevertheless, some ER-positive BC patients do not seem to benefit from this strategy. Therefore, it is crucial to identify biomarkers that would enable the selection of patients who might benefit from combination treatment with ER and AR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Basile
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Udine, Italy; School of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Marika Cinausero
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Udine, Italy; School of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Donatella Iacono
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Udine, Italy; School of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pelizzari
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Udine, Italy; School of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Marta Bonotto
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Udine, Italy; School of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Vitale
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Udine, Italy; School of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gerratana
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Udine, Italy; School of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Italy.
| | - Fabio Puglisi
- School of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Italy; Department of Clinical Oncology, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano (PN), Italy
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33
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Fortner RT, Tolockiene E, Schock H, Oda H, Lakso HÅ, Hallmans G, Kaaks R, Toniolo P, Zeleniuch-Jacquotte A, Grankvist K, Lundin E. Early pregnancy sex steroids during primiparous pregnancies and maternal breast cancer: a nested case-control study in the Northern Sweden Maternity Cohort. Breast Cancer Res 2017; 19:82. [PMID: 28720108 PMCID: PMC5516370 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-017-0876-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy and parity are associated with subsequent breast cancer risk. Experimental and epidemiologic data suggest a role for pregnancy sex steroid hormones. METHODS We conducted a nested case-control study in the Northern Sweden Maternity Cohort (1975-2007). Eligible women had provided a blood sample in the first 20 weeks of gestation during a primiparous pregnancy leading to a term delivery. The current study includes 223 cases and 417 matched controls (matching factors: age at and date of blood collection). Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status was available for all cases; androgen receptor (AR) data were available for 41% of cases (n = 92). Sex steroids were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS Higher concentrations of circulating progesterone in early pregnancy were inversely associated with ER+/PR+ breast cancer risk (ORlog2: 0.64 (0.41-1.00)). Higher testosterone was positively associated with ER+/PR+ disease risk (ORlog2: 1.57 (1.13-2.18)). Early pregnancy estrogens were not associated with risk, except for relatively high estradiol in the context of low progesterone (split at median, relative to low concentrations of both; OR: 1.87 (1.11-3.16)). None of the investigated hormones were associated with ER-/PR- disease, or with AR+ or AR+/ER+/PR+ disease. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with experimental models, high progesterone in early pregnancy was associated with lower risk of ER+/PR+ breast cancer in the mother. High circulating testosterone in early pregnancy, which likely reflects nonpregnant premenopausal exposure, was associated with higher risk of ER+/PR+ disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée T Fortner
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Eglé Tolockiene
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Helena Schock
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Husam Oda
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Hans-Åke Lakso
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Göran Hallmans
- Public Health and Clinical Medicine: Nutritional Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Rudolf Kaaks
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paolo Toniolo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne Zeleniuch-Jacquotte
- Department of Population Health and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kjell Grankvist
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Lundin
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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34
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Lubov J, Maschietto M, Ibrahim I, Mlynarek A, Hier M, Kowalski LP, Alaoui-Jamali MA, da Silva SD. Meta-analysis of microRNAs expression in head and neck cancer: uncovering association with outcome and mechanisms. Oncotarget 2017; 8:55511-55524. [PMID: 28903437 PMCID: PMC5589676 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is often diagnosed at advanced stages, incurring significant high mortality and morbidity. This review explored the risk stratification of miRNAs, and investigated the impact of miRNA networking in HNSCC prognostication. We performed a meta-analysis and a systematic literature search on online databases for papers published prior to December 1, 2016. The list of miRNAs was uploaded to MetacoreTM to construct a protein-protein interaction network, which was used to identify targets of the miRNAs and potential drugs. In addition, a representative network was further validated by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 100 patients. We found 116 studies that included 8,194 subjects, in which the relationship between miRNA expression and prognosis of HNSCC were analyzed. Significant elevated expressions of 27 miRNAs and decreased expression of 26 miRNAs were associated with poor outcome. After excluding the studies causing heterogeneity, a fixed model was applied, which showed a statistically significant association between increased expression of miR-21 and poor survival (Pooled HR = 1.81,95% CI = 0.66-2.95, P < 0.005). We identified four networks affected by the miRNAs expression and enriched in genes related to metabolic processes and regulation of cell mitogenesis in response to extracellular stimuli. One network point out to 16 miRNAs directly or indirectly involved in the regulation of androgen-receptor (AR). Evaluation of AR protein expression in our cohort revealed that patients with upregulation of AR had poor survival rates (log-rank test, P < 0.005). This study showed that miRNAs have potential prognostic value to serve as screening tool for HNSCC during the follow-up. In addition, the implementation of a network-based analysis may reveal proteins with potential to be used as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Lubov
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Segal Cancer Centre and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Departments of Medicine and Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mariana Maschietto
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, National Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Iman Ibrahim
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Segal Cancer Centre and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Departments of Medicine and Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alex Mlynarek
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Segal Cancer Centre and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Departments of Medicine and Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Hier
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Segal Cancer Centre and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Departments of Medicine and Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luiz Paulo Kowalski
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology, AC Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Moulay A Alaoui-Jamali
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Segal Cancer Centre and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Departments of Medicine and Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sabrina Daniela da Silva
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Segal Cancer Centre and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Departments of Medicine and Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Charalampoudis P, Agrogiannis G, Kontzoglou K, Kouraklis G, Sotiropoulos GC. Thyroid hormone receptor alpha (TRa) tissue expression in ductal invasive breast cancer: A study combining quantitative immunohistochemistry with digital slide image analysis. Eur J Surg Oncol 2017; 43:1428-1432. [PMID: 28583788 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2017.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In breast cancer, hormonal receptors hold promise for developing novel targeted therapies. The thyroid exerts its actions via the thyroid hormone receptors alpha and beta. The clinical significance of the expression of thyroid hormone receptors in breast cancer is unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS We studied thyroid hormone receptor alpha (TRa) expression in 82 samples from 41 women with ductal invasive breast cancer and no thyroid disease. We performed quantitative immunohistochemistry with digital image analysis and correlated TRa expression with clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS TRa was expressed in both normal breast epithelium and breast cancer, but expression in breast cancer was significantly lower. TRa was expressed significantly less in larger and grade III tumors. Conversely, breast cancers with lymphovascular invasion showed increased TRa expression compared to cancers without lymphovascular invasion. TRa expression was not significantly different between node-positive and node-negative breast cancers, or among different hormonal profiles and intrinsic subtypes. DISCUSSION This is the first-in-human study to combine quantitative immunohistochemistry with image analysis to study TRa expression in women with ductal invasive breast cancer and no clinical or biochemical evidence of thyroid dysfunction. We confirm that TRa is expressed in both normal and malignant breast epithelium and suggest that TRa expression is downregulated during breast carcinogenesis. Larger and higher grade breast cancers demonstrate partial loss in TRa expression. Alterations in TRa expression take place even in the absence of clinical or biochemical thyroid disease. The underlying mechanism of these findings and their potential significance in survival and relapse mandate further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Charalampoudis
- Breast Unit, Second Propedeutic Department of Surgery, Laiko Hospital, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece; Breast Unit, Guy's and Saint Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, United Kingdom. petros.charalampoudis.@gmail.com
| | - G Agrogiannis
- First Department of Pathology, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - K Kontzoglou
- Breast Unit, Second Propedeutic Department of Surgery, Laiko Hospital, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - G Kouraklis
- Breast Unit, Second Propedeutic Department of Surgery, Laiko Hospital, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - G C Sotiropoulos
- Breast Unit, Second Propedeutic Department of Surgery, Laiko Hospital, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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Overcoming aromatase inhibitor resistance in breast cancer: possible mechanisms and clinical applications. Breast Cancer 2017; 25:379-391. [PMID: 28389808 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-017-0772-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen plays crucial roles in the progression of hormone-dependent breast cancers through activation of nuclear estrogen receptor α (ER). Estrogen is produced locally from circulating inactive steroids and adrenal androgens in postmenopausal women. However, conversion by aromatase is a rate-limiting step in intratumoral estrogen production in breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) inhibit the growth of hormone-dependent breast cancers by blocking the conversion of adrenal androgens to estrogen and by unmasking the inhibitory effect of androgens, acting via the androgen receptor (AR). AIs are thus a standard treatment option for postmenopausal hormone-dependent breast cancer. However, although initial use of AIs provides substantial clinical benefit, some breast cancer patients relapse because of the acquisition of AI resistance. A better understanding of the mechanisms of AI resistance may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies and aid in the search for new therapeutic targets and agents. We have investigated AI-resistance mechanisms and established six AI-resistant cell lines. Some of them exhibit estrogen depletion-resistance properties via constitutive ER-activation or ER-independent growth signaling. We examined how breast cancer cells can adapt to estrogen depletion and androgen superabundance. Estrogen and estrogenic androgen produced independently from aromatase contributed to cell proliferation in some of these cell lines, while another showed AR-dependent cell proliferation. Based on these findings, currently proposed AI-resistance mechanisms include an aromatase-independent estrogen-producing pathway, estrogen-independent ER function, and ER-independent growth signaling. This review summarizes several hypotheses of AI-resistance mechanisms and discusses how existing or novel therapeutic agents may be applied to treat AI-resistant breast cancers.
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Doan TB, Graham JD, Clarke CL. Emerging functional roles of nuclear receptors in breast cancer. J Mol Endocrinol 2017; 58:R169-R190. [PMID: 28087820 DOI: 10.1530/jme-16-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) have been targets of intensive drug development for decades due to their roles as key regulators of multiple developmental, physiological and disease processes. In breast cancer, expression of the estrogen and progesterone receptor remains clinically important in predicting prognosis and determining therapeutic strategies. More recently, there is growing evidence supporting the involvement of multiple nuclear receptors other than the estrogen and progesterone receptors, in the regulation of various processes important to the initiation and progression of breast cancer. We review new insights into the mechanisms of action of NRs made possible by recent advances in genomic technologies and focus on the emerging functional roles of NRs in breast cancer biology, including their involvement in circadian regulation, metabolic reprogramming and breast cancer migration and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tram B Doan
- Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchSydney Medical School - Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Dinny Graham
- Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchSydney Medical School - Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine L Clarke
- Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchSydney Medical School - Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Pakula H, Xiang D, Li Z. A Tale of Two Signals: AR and WNT in Development and Tumorigenesis of Prostate and Mammary Gland. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:E14. [PMID: 28134791 PMCID: PMC5332937 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers and among the leading causes of cancer deaths for men in industrialized countries. It has long been recognized that the prostate is an androgen-dependent organ and PCa is an androgen-dependent disease. Androgen action is mediated by the androgen receptor (AR). Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard treatment for metastatic PCa. However, almost all advanced PCa cases progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) after a period of ADT. A variety of mechanisms of progression from androgen-dependent PCa to CRPC under ADT have been postulated, but it remains largely unclear as to when and how castration resistance arises within prostate tumors. In addition, AR signaling may be modulated by extracellular factors among which are the cysteine-rich glycoproteins WNTs. The WNTs are capable of signaling through several pathways, the best-characterized being the canonical WNT/β-catenin/TCF-mediated canonical pathway. Recent studies from sequencing PCa genomes revealed that CRPC cells frequently harbor mutations in major components of the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Moreover, the finding of an interaction between β-catenin and AR suggests a possible mechanism of cross talk between WNT and androgen/AR signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of both AR and WNT pathways in prostate development and tumorigenesis, and their interaction during development of CRPC. We also review the possible therapeutic application of drugs that target both AR and WNT/β-catenin pathways. Finally, we extend our review of AR and WNT signaling to the mammary gland system and breast cancer. We highlight that the role of AR signaling and its interaction with WNT signaling in these two hormone-related cancer types are highly context-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Pakula
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 466, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Dongxi Xiang
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 466, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Zhe Li
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 466, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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AR-Signaling in Human Malignancies: Prostate Cancer and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9010007. [PMID: 28085048 PMCID: PMC5295778 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 1940s Charles Huggins reported remarkable palliative benefits following surgical castration in men with advanced prostate cancer, and since then the androgen receptor (AR) has remained the main therapeutic target in this disease. Over the past couple of decades, our understanding of AR-signaling biology has dramatically improved, and it has become apparent that the AR can modulate a number of other well-described oncogenic signaling pathways. Not surprisingly, mounting preclinical and epidemiologic data now supports a role for AR-signaling in promoting the growth and progression of several cancers other than prostate, and early phase clinical trials have documented preliminary signs of efficacy when AR-signaling inhibitors are used in several of these malignancies. In this article, we provide an overview of the evidence supporting the use of AR-directed therapies in prostate as well as other cancers, with an emphasis on the rationale for targeting AR-signaling across tumor types.
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40
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Expression and Clinical Significance of Androgen Receptor in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9010004. [PMID: 28067809 PMCID: PMC5295775 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis because of frequent recurrence. Androgen receptor (AR) is involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, but its role is not clearly defined. The aim of this study was to explore the expression of AR and its relationship with clinicopathologic features in TNBC. METHODS This study investigated 1036 cases of sporadic invasive breast carcinoma. Immunohistochemical assays were performed to determine the expression of AR in 190 TNBC samples. The relationships between AR expression and clinicopathologic data and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS In 190 TNBC cases, the prognosis of AR-positive patients was significantly better (p = 0.019, log-rank) than AR-negative patients, and in multivariate analysis, AR expression was an independent indicator of good prognosis (p = 0.039, hazard ratio = 0.36). In patients with disease relapse, AR positivity was significantly correlated with better prognosis (p = 0.034, log-rank). CONCLUSIONS AR expression may be useful as a subclassification marker for prognosis in TNBC.
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Leach DA, Powell SM, Bevan CL. WOMEN IN CANCER THEMATIC REVIEW: New roles for nuclear receptors in prostate cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2016; 23:T85-T108. [PMID: 27645052 DOI: 10.1530/erc-16-0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer has, for decades, been treated by inhibiting androgen signalling. This is effective in the majority of patients, but inevitably resistance develops and patients progress to life-threatening metastatic disease - hence the quest for new effective therapies for 'castrate-resistant' prostate cancer (CRPC). Studies into what pathways can drive tumour recurrence under these conditions has identified several other nuclear receptor signalling pathways as potential drivers or modulators of CRPC.The nuclear receptors constitute a large (48 members) superfamily of transcription factors sharing a common modular functional structure. Many of them are activated by the binding of small lipophilic molecules, making them potentially druggable. Even those for which no ligand exists or has yet been identified may be tractable to activity modulation by small molecules. Moreover, genomic studies have shown that in models of CRPC, other nuclear receptors can potentially drive similar transcriptional responses to the androgen receptor, while analysis of expression and sequencing databases shows disproportionately high mutation and copy number variation rates among the superfamily. Hence, the nuclear receptor superfamily is of intense interest in the drive to understand how prostate cancer recurs and how we may best treat such recurrent disease. This review aims to provide a snapshot of the current knowledge of the roles of different nuclear receptors in prostate cancer - a rapidly evolving field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien A Leach
- Division of CancerImperial Centre for Translational & Experimental Medicine, Imperial, College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Sue M Powell
- Division of CancerImperial Centre for Translational & Experimental Medicine, Imperial, College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Charlotte L Bevan
- Division of CancerImperial Centre for Translational & Experimental Medicine, Imperial, College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
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Pietri E, Conteduca V, Andreis D, Massa I, Melegari E, Sarti S, Cecconetto L, Schirone A, Bravaccini S, Serra P, Fedeli A, Maltoni R, Amadori D, De Giorgi U, Rocca A. Androgen receptor signaling pathways as a target for breast cancer treatment. Endocr Relat Cancer 2016; 23:R485-98. [PMID: 27528625 DOI: 10.1530/erc-16-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor, and its effects on breast range from physiological pubertal development and age-related modifications to cancer onset and proliferation. The prevalence of AR in early breast cancer is around 60%, and AR is more frequently expressed in ER-positive than in ER-negative tumors. We offer an overview of AR signaling pathways in different breast cancer subtypes, providing evidence that its oncogenic role is likely to be different in distinct biological and clinical scenarios. In particular, in ER-positive breast cancer, AR signaling often antagonizes the growth stimulatory effect of ER signaling; in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), AR seems to drive tumor progression (at least in luminal AR subtype of TNBC with a gene expression profile mimicking luminal subtypes despite being negative to ER and enriched in AR expression); in HER2-positive breast cancer, in the absence of ER expression, AR signaling has a proliferative role. These data represent the rationale for AR-targeting treatment as a potentially new target therapy in breast cancer subset using androgen agonists in some AR-positive/ER-positive tumors, AR antagonists in triple-negative/AR-positive tumors and in combination with anti-HER2 agents or with other signaling pathways inhibitors (including PI3K/MYC/ERK) in HER2-positive/AR-positive tumors. Only the ongoing and future prospective clinical trials will allow us to establish which agents are the best option in every specific condition, keeping in mind that there is evidence of opposite androgens and AR agonist/antagonist drug effects on cell proliferation particularly in AR-positive/ER-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Pietri
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Vincenza Conteduca
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Daniele Andreis
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical TrialsIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Massa
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical TrialsIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Melegari
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Samanta Sarti
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cecconetto
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Alessio Schirone
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Sara Bravaccini
- Biosciences LaboratoryIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Patrizia Serra
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical TrialsIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Anna Fedeli
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Roberta Maltoni
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Dino Amadori
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Ugo De Giorgi
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Andrea Rocca
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
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D'Amato NC, Gordon MA, Babbs B, Spoelstra NS, Carson Butterfield KT, Torkko KC, Phan VT, Barton VN, Rogers TJ, Sartorius CA, Elias A, Gertz J, Jacobsen BM, Richer JK. Cooperative Dynamics of AR and ER Activity in Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2016; 14:1054-1067. [PMID: 27565181 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in 90% of estrogen receptor alpha-positive (ER+) breast tumors, but its role in tumor growth and progression remains controversial. Use of two anti-androgens that inhibit AR nuclear localization, enzalutamide and MJC13, revealed that AR is required for maximum ER genomic binding. Here, a novel global examination of AR chromatin binding found that estradiol induced AR binding at unique sites compared with dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Estradiol-induced AR-binding sites were enriched for estrogen response elements and had significant overlap with ER-binding sites. Furthermore, AR inhibition reduced baseline and estradiol-mediated proliferation in multiple ER+/AR+ breast cancer cell lines, and synergized with tamoxifen and fulvestrant. In vivo, enzalutamide significantly reduced viability of tamoxifen-resistant MCF7 xenograft tumors and an ER+/AR+ patient-derived model. Enzalutamide also reduced metastatic burden following cardiac injection. Finally, in a comparison of ER+/AR+ primary tumors versus patient-matched local recurrences or distant metastases, AR expression was often maintained even when ER was reduced or absent. These data provide preclinical evidence that anti-androgens that inhibit AR nuclear localization affect both AR and ER, and are effective in combination with current breast cancer therapies. In addition, single-agent efficacy may be possible in tumors resistant to traditional endocrine therapy, as clinical specimens of recurrent disease demonstrate AR expression in tumors with absent or refractory ER. IMPLICATIONS This study suggests that AR plays a previously unrecognized role in supporting E2-mediated ER activity in ER+/AR+ breast cancer cells, and that enzalutamide may be an effective therapeutic in ER+/AR+ breast cancers. Mol Cancer Res; 14(11); 1054-67. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C D'Amato
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Michael A Gordon
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Beatrice Babbs
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Nicole S Spoelstra
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Kathleen C Torkko
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Valerie N Barton
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Thomas J Rogers
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Carol A Sartorius
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Anthony Elias
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jason Gertz
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Britta M Jacobsen
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jennifer K Richer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
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Capper CP, Larios JM, Sikora MJ, Johnson MD, Rae JM. The CYP17A1 inhibitor abiraterone exhibits estrogen receptor agonist activity in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2016; 157:23-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s10549-016-3774-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Barrios-García T, Gómez-Romero V, Tecalco-Cruz Á, Valadéz-Graham V, León-Del-Río A. Nuclear tristetraprolin acts as a corepressor of multiple steroid nuclear receptors in breast cancer cells. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2016; 7:20-6. [PMID: 27114912 PMCID: PMC4832087 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tristetraprolin (TTP) is a 34-kDa, zinc finger-containing factor that in mammalian cells acts as a tumor suppressor protein through two different mechanisms. In the cytoplasm TTP promotes the decay of hundreds of mRNAs encoding cell factors involved in inflammation, tissue invasion, and metastasis. In the cell nucleus TTP has been identified as a transcriptional corepressor of the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), which has been associated to the development and progression of the majority of breast cancer tumors. In this work we report that nuclear TTP modulates the transactivation activity of progesterone receptor (PR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and androgen receptor (AR). In recent years these steroid nuclear receptors have been shown to be of clinical and therapeutical relevance in breast cancer. The functional association between TTP and steroid nuclear receptors is supported by the finding that TTP physically interacts with ERα, PR, GR and AR in vivo. We also show that TTP overexpression attenuates the transactivation of all the steroid nuclear receptors tested. In contrast, siRNA-mediated reduction of endogenous TTP expression in MCF-7 cells produced an increase in the transcriptional activities of ERα, PR, GR and AR. Taken together, these results suggest that the function of nuclear TTP in breast cancer cells is to act as a corepressor of ERα, PR, GR and AR. We propose that the reduction of TTP expression observed in different types of breast cancer tumors may contribute to the development of this disease by producing a dysregulation of the transactivation activity of multiple steroid nuclear receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonatiuh Barrios-García
- Programa de Investigación de Cáncer de Mama, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico D.F. 04510, Mexico
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico D.F. 04510, Mexico
| | - Vania Gómez-Romero
- Programa de Investigación de Cáncer de Mama, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico D.F. 04510, Mexico
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico D.F. 04510, Mexico
| | - Ángeles Tecalco-Cruz
- Programa de Investigación de Cáncer de Mama, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico D.F. 04510, Mexico
| | - Viviana Valadéz-Graham
- Departamento Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Alfonso León-Del-Río
- Programa de Investigación de Cáncer de Mama, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico D.F. 04510, Mexico
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico D.F. 04510, Mexico
- Corresponding author at: Programa de Investigación de Cáncer de Mama, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico D.F. 04510, Mexico.Programa de Investigación de Cáncer de MamaInstituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoAv. Universidad 3000Mexico D.F.Mexico04510
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Elancheran R, Saravanan K, Choudhury B, Divakar S, Kabilan S, Ramanathan M, Das B, Devi R, Kotoky J. Design and development of oxobenzimidazoles as novel androgen receptor antagonists. Med Chem Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-016-1504-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Haider M, Lange PH. Breast and Prostate Cancers: A Comparison of Two Endocrinologic Malignancies. Prostate Cancer 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800077-9.00019-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Peek GW, Tollefsbol TO. Combinatorial PX-866 and Raloxifene Decrease Rb Phosphorylation, Cyclin E2 Transcription, and Proliferation of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. J Cell Biochem 2015; 117:1688-96. [PMID: 26660119 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
As a potential means to reduce proliferation of breast cancer cells, a multiple-pathway approach with no effect on control cells was explored. The human interactome being constructed by the Center for Cancer Systems Biology will prove indispensable to understanding composite effects of multiple pathways, but its discovered protein-protein interactions require characterization. Accordingly, we explored the effects of regulators of one protein on downstream targets of the other protein. MCF-7 estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells were treated with raloxifene to upregulate the TGF-β pathway and PX-866 to down-regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway. This resulted in highly significant downstream reduction of cell cycle proliferation in breast cancer cells with no significant proliferation reduction following similar treatment of noncancerous MCF10A breast epithelial cells. Reduced phosphorylation of p107 and substantial reduction of Rb phosphorylation were observed in response. The effects of reduced Rb and p107 phosphorylation were reflected in significant decline in E2F-1 transcriptional activity, which is dependent on pocket protein phosphorylation status. The reduced proliferation was related to decreased expression of cyclins, including E2F-1-regulated Cyclin E2, which was also in response to raloxifene and PX-866. All combinations of raloxifene and PX-866 produced significant or highly significant results for reduced MCF-7 cell proliferation, reduced Cyclin E2 transcription, and reduced Rb phosphorylation. These studies demonstrated that uncontrolled proliferation of ER+ breast cancer cells can be significantly reduced by combinational targeting of two relevant pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1688-1696, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W Peek
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama.,Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama.,Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama.,Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
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Androgen Receptor CAG Repeat Length and Estrogen Receptor Status in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Prognosis. Int J Biol Markers 2015; 30:e418-24. [DOI: 10.5301/jbm.5000176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The influence of the androgen receptor (AR) CAG repeat polymorphism on breast cancer is controversial. We investigated the combined effects of CAG repeat length and estrogen receptor (ER) status on prognosis in 355 postmenopausal women with primary breast cancer. Methods CAG repeat length was determined by the HUMARA test. Relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) according to the X-weighted CAG repeat biallelic mean (XWBM) were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results XWBM was not associated with RFS or OS, but a significant interaction between XWBM and ER status (p = 0.002) was found for OS. ER-negative patients with median XWBM <20 showed lower OS than ER-negative/XWBM ≥20 patients (HR = 0.270; 95% Cl: 0.073-0.999). ER-negative/XWBM <20 patients also had significantly lower OS than ER-positive women, irrespective of CAG repeat length (p<0.001). Accordingly, estimated OS was lowest in ER-negative patients with XWBM <20 (OS: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41-0.79) and highest in ER-positive patients with XWBM <20 (OS: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90-0.97). Conclusions Our data suggest that short CAG repeat length is associated with increased risk of death in ER-negative disease but is related to better survival when ER is expressed. These findings are in agreement with the hypothesis that AR may stimulate or inhibit breast cancer growth depending on ER status, AR transactivation, and the endocrine-metabolic environment of breast tumors. Evaluation of CAG repeat length together with ER status could help improve the estimation of the risk of death, with possible implications for the optimization of standard breast cancer treatment and implementation of prevention strategies.
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Grogg A, Trippel M, Pfaltz K, Lädrach C, Droeser RA, Cihoric N, Salhia B, Zweifel M, Tapia C. Androgen receptor status is highly conserved during tumor progression of breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:872. [PMID: 26552477 PMCID: PMC4640208 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1897-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With the advent of new and more efficient anti-androgen drugs targeting androgen receptor (AR) in breast cancer (BC) is becoming an increasingly important area of investigation. This would potentially be most useful in triple negative BC (TNBC), where better therapies are still needed. The assessment of AR status is generally performed on the primary tumor even if the tumor has already metastasized. Very little is known regarding discrepancies of AR status during tumor progression. To determine the prevalence of AR positivity, with emphasis on TNBCs, and to investigate AR status during tumor progression, we evaluated a large series of primary BCs and matching metastases and recurrences. Methods AR status was performed on 356 primary BCs, 135 matching metastases, and 12 recurrences using a next-generation Tissue Microarray (ngTMA). A commercially available AR antibody was used to determine AR-status by immunohistochemistry. AR positivity was defined as any nuclear staining in tumor cells ≥1 %. AR expression was correlated with pathological tumor features of the primary tumor. Additionally, the concordance rate of AR expression between the different tumor sites was determined. Results AR status was positive in: 87 % (307/353) of primary tumors, 86.1 % (105/122) of metastases, and in 66.7 % (8/12) of recurrences. TNBC tested positive in 11.4 %, (4/35) of BCs. A discrepant result was seen in 4.3 % (5/117) of primary BC and matching lymph node (LN) metastases. Three AR negative primary BCs were positive in the matching LN metastasis, representing 17.6 % of all negative BCs with lymph node metastases (3/17). Two AR positive primary BCs were negative in the matching LN metastasis, representing 2.0 % of all AR positive BCs with LN metastases (2/100). No discrepancies were seen between primary BC and distant metastases or recurrence (n = 17). Conclusions Most primary (87 %) and metastasized (86.1 %) BCs are AR positive including a significant fraction of TNBCs (11.4 %). Further, AR status is highly conserved during tumor progression and a change only occurs in a small fraction (4.1 %). Our study supports the notion that targeting AR could be effective for many BC patients and that re-testing of AR status in formerly negative or mixed type BC’s is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Grogg
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Mafalda Trippel
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Katrin Pfaltz
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Claudia Lädrach
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Raoul A Droeser
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Nikola Cihoric
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, 3010, Bern, Switzerland. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Bodour Salhia
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, USA.
| | - Martin Zweifel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland. .,University Cancer Center, Breast Center, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Coya Tapia
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. .,University Cancer Center, Breast Center, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland. .,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Life Science Plaza, 2130 W. Holcombe, Blvd. Unit 2951, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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