Expression features of androgen receptor in special subtypes of breast cancer

Abstract

Purpose The important role of the androgen receptor (AR) in invasive carcinoma of no specific type (NST) has been increasingly recognised. However, only a few studies have been reported in special subtypes of breast cancer. Thus, we aim to investigate the AR expression and its expression features in special subtypes of breast cancer. Methods This study collected clinicopathological data of 718 special subtypes of breast cancer from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. Immunohistochemical staining of AR and other biomarkers was performed. Results If the threshold of AR is ≥ 1%, the positive rate of AR in specific subtypes of breast cancer is 77.9% (559/718) of cases. Compared with the threshold of AR is ≥ 10%, the positive percentage of AR in each subtype of breast cancer increases about 10%. The positive expression rate of AR in carcinomas with apocrine differentiation is highest, and the coloration intensity is much stronger than that of other subtypes. The positive expression rate of AR is lowest in metaplastic carcinomas, almost negative; the positive expression rate of AR in invasive lobular carcinomas (ILCs), invasive micropapillary carcinomas (IMPCs), invasive papillary carcinomas (IPCs), and is mucinous carcinomas about 70.0%–80.0%. Conclusions The expression features of AR in special subtypes of breast cancer vary in different subtypes, and to some extent, AR may be a useful biomarker for clinical diagnosis. Routine testing of AR has a certain guiding significance for clinical work. In addition, AR is expected to treat carcinomas with apocrine differentiation as a target.