Breast cancers result from the uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast. Male hormones can help inhibit this process, scientists believe.

Recent research has uncovered new evidence for the effectiveness of androgens in the fight against breast cancer. Androgens are considered 'male hormones', but women also have them in small concentrations. In normal breast development, estrogen stimulates and androgen inhibits breast growth during puberty and throughout adulthood.

Abnormal estrogen activity is responsible for the development of malignant neoplasms, but the role of androgens in these processes was not known until recently.

However, Nature Medicine has published a new study showing that androgens have potential in the treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancer.

Using models of cells and patients, scientists have shown that activation of the androgen receptor by a natural androgen or a new androgenic drug leads to powerful antitumor activity. It is observed in all estrogen-dependent malignant breast lesions, even those that demonstrate resistance to all current therapies.