Effect of androgens on different breast cancer cells co-cultured with or without breast adipose fibroblasts

- Aromatized and non-aromatized androgens had different effects breast cancer cells.
- Testosterone (T) induced proliferation in ER+ co-cultured breast cancer cells.
- DHT suppresses proliferation in both ER+ and ER− co-cultured breast cancer cells.
- Differences can be explained by conversion of T to estradiol (E2) by fibroblasts.
- Non-aromatized androgens may be a new target for breast cancer treatment.