Androgens and breast cancer

► The relationship between androgens and breast cancer risk is equivocal. ► We reviewed the literature to highlight the current evidence. ► Research is needed given increase use of testosterone therapy by menopausal women. ► Some evidence for modifying role of hormone receptor status and family hist...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Steroids 2012, Vol.77 (1), p.1-9
Main Authors: Kotsopoulos, Joanne, Narod, Steven A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Androgens
Androgens - blood
Biological and medical sciences
BRCA1 Protein - genetics
BRCA1 Protein - metabolism
Breast - drug effects
Breast - metabolism
Breast - pathology
Breast cancer
Breast Neoplasms - blood
Breast Neoplasms - etiology
Breast Neoplasms - pathology
Epidemiologic Studies
Estrogen Replacement Therapy - adverse effects
Estrogens - metabolism
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Humans
Mammary gland diseases
Mammography
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Polymorphism, Genetic
Postmenopause - metabolism
Receptors, Androgen - metabolism
Testosterone
Testosterone - adverse effects
Testosterone - therapeutic use
Tumors
Vertebrates: endocrinology
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Summary:► The relationship between androgens and breast cancer risk is equivocal. ► We reviewed the literature to highlight the current evidence. ► Research is needed given increase use of testosterone therapy by menopausal women. ► Some evidence for modifying role of hormone receptor status and family history. The role of androgens on breast cancer development and progression has not been fully elucidated. Several in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that androgens have an inhibitory effect on the mammary epithelium, whereas the majority of epidemiological studies report a positive association between high androgen levels and risk of breast cancer. Expression of the androgen receptor is a positive prognostic factor. Understanding the role of androgens in breast carcinogenesis is important because many women use testosterone replacement for the alleviation of symptoms brought on by menopause, in particular high-risk women who undergo surgical menopause at an early age. We overview the literature examining a role of androgens in the etiology of breast cancer.
ISSN:0039-128X
1878-5867
DOI:10.1016/j.steroids.2011.10.002