Clinicopathological features of considerable reduction in androgen receptor expression in sebaceous gland carcinoma of the eyelid

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between androgen receptor (AR) expression and clinicopathologic features of sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) of the eyelid. Methods: AR expression was evaluated via immunohistochemistry analysis of surgically derived samples from 11 patients with SGC of the eyelid. Results: The expression of AR was evident in 9 of 11 patients (82%). We divided patients into high AR (7 patients) and low AR (4 patients: 2 patients with low expression and 2 patients with no expression) groups. The low AR group showed significantly greater progression than the high AR group with regard to T category and exhibited a lower grade of differentiation. Conclusion: In patients with SGC of the eyelid, a marked decrease in AR expression may be associated with a poor prognosis. AR may be a prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target in cases of SGC of the eyelid.