Development of Liver Cancers as an Unexpected Consequence of Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Use

Abstract

Although the relationship between androgens and hepatocellular tumor development has been noted since 1975, cases involving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or cholangiocarcinoma development in patients on chronic androgen therapy or anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use are few, and far between. We present three cases of patients who developed hepatic and bile duct malignancies in the setting of AAS use and testosterone supplementation, arising from a single tertiary referral center. Additionally, we review the literature for the mechanisms behind the possible androgen-mediated malignant transformation of these liver and bile duct tumors.