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7353534 
Journal Article 
Androgen receptor expression and breast cancer mortality in a population-based prospective cohort 
Elebro, K; Bendahl, PO; Jernström, H; Borgquist, S 
2017 
Yes 
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
ISSN: 0167-6806
EISSN: 1573-7217 
165 
3 
645-657 
English 
28643022 
WOS:000411105800019 
PURPOSE: The increase in clinical trials with androgen receptor (AR)-targeting drugs emphasizes the need of clarifying the role of AR expression in different breast cancer subtypes. AR confers good prognosis in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, but its role in ER-negative (ER-) breast cancer is unclear. The aim of this study was to elaborate on previous findings of a differential prognostic role for AR depending on ER status, using breast cancer mortality (BCM) as endpoint, in a population-based cohort from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study.

METHODS: Immunohistochemical AR expression was assessed in 910 women with invasive breast cancer diagnosed 1991-2010, supplemented with clinicopathological information, vital status, and cause of death, with the last follow-up in December 2014 (median 10 years). Survival analyses according to AR status and AR/ER combinations were performed.

RESULTS: AR expression was available for 671 tumors. AR+ (n = 573, 85%) was associated with favorable established tumor markers and lower BCM in univariable analysis, especially during the first 5 years following diagnosis [HR 0.4; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.2-0.7]. Multivariable analysis for short-term follow-up indicated higher BCM among patients with AR+ER- tumors (HR 3.5; 95% CI 1.4-9.1) than other AR and ER combinations.

CONCLUSIONS: AR expression added prognostic information to ER expression with respect to short-term prognosis. The worst prognosis was seen for patients with AR+/ER- tumors in short-term follow-up, supporting the pre-specified hypothesis. However, larger cohorts are needed for further characterization of the role of AR expression in ER- breast cancer.