Integration of Androgen Hormones in Endometrial Cancer Biology

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a gynecological pathology that affects the uterine inner lining. In recent years, genomic studies revealed continually evolving mutational landscapes of endometrial tumors that hold great potential for tailoring therapeutic strategies. This review aims to broaden our knowledge of EC biology by focusing on the role of androgen hormones. First, we discuss epidemiological evidence implicating androgens with EC pathogenesis and cover their biosynthesis and metabolism to bioactive 11-oxyandrogens. Next, we explore the endometrial tumor tissue and the altered microbiota as alternative sources of androgens and their 11-oxymetabolites in EC patients. Finally, we discuss the biological significance of androgens' genomic and nongenomic signaling as part of a medley of pathways ultimately deciding the fate of cells.