When it comes to melanoma, a potentially deadly type of skin cancer, there isn’t equality between the biological sexes. When melanoma has spread from its original location (metastasized), male patients don’t live as long as female patients. Melanoma in males is also more likely to become resistant to several commonly used treatments for the disease.

A new study that analyzed melanoma samples from people treated with targeted therapies that inhibit the proteins BRAF and MEK may help explain why: the androgen receptor. Levels of this protein in tumor cells jumped during treatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors—particularly in males, but also, to a lesser extent, in females.

The androgen receptor binds to hormones called androgens (such as testosterone), which are found at much higher levels in males than females. It directly contributes to the development and growth of prostate cancer and is a major target of treatment for that disease

Please read detailed news about Androgen Receptor May Explain Sex Differences in Melanoma Treatment Response at: https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2022/melanoma-treatment-androgen-receptor