Dr. Elias on Androgen Receptor Inhibitors in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Anthony D. Elias, MD, professor, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, discusses using androgen receptor inhibitors as a potential treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

Androgen receptors signal several pathways such as EGFR, mTOR and cell cycle, creating feedback interactions and loops between them, Elias explains. For example, androgen receptors upregulate and control HER2 and HER3 expression in both ER-positive and HER2-positive disease. There is also direct interaction with amphiregulin and triple-negative disease, he adds. Researchers believe that androgen receptors will promote growth and blockage of the pathway using various androgen receptor agents often used for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Studies examining androgen receptor therapies in HER2-positive breast cancer are ongoing, Elias says. More research in this area is expected to be developed with the hopes of discovering an emerging biomarker.