How androgen receptors contribute to breast cancer spread after hormone therapy

The pro-metastatic role of androgen receptor in estrogen receptor mutated breast cancer

NIH-funded research University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11009037

This study is looking at how certain receptors in breast cancer cells might help the cancer spread, especially in women who have stopped responding to regular hormone treatments, and it aims to find new ways to improve treatment for those patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11009037 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how androgen receptors in breast cancer cells may promote the spread of the disease, particularly in cases where patients have developed resistance to standard hormone therapies. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms that allow these cancer cells to survive and recur as metastatic disease, especially in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. By examining the interactions between androgen receptors and other cellular pathways, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients. The approach includes laboratory experiments using breast cancer cell lines to explore the effects of androgen signaling under conditions of hormone deprivation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who have experienced resistance to hormone therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with non-hormone receptor-positive breast cancer or those who have not undergone hormone therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve survival rates for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of androgen receptors in breast cancer, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.