Breast 13

Abstract

The role of androgens in the progression and aetiology of breast cancer has resurfaced in the light of effective aromatase inhibitors. We have measured serum androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and cortisol in 53 pre- and postmenopausal women with primary operable breast cancer and 39 age-matched controls to examine the relationship between them. Serum was taken preoperatively from patients with primary operable breast cancer and age-matched controls recruited from the diagnostic breast clinic. Enzyme-linked immunoassays (DRG diagnostics) were used to determine serum levels of androstenedione, DHEAS and cortisol. We have observed that compared to controls, adrenal androgens are elevated in patients with breast cancer. In order to examine whether levels were elevated in the patients with breast cancer due to preoperative emotional stress, we have measured serum cortisol levels. Cortisol levels were nonsignificantly raised in patients with breast cancer compared to controls; however, adrenal androgen levels were independent of cortisol levels. These findings suggest that elevated circulating adrenal androgens may have a role in the aetiology and progression of breast cancer.