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Quantitative comparison of estradiol and progesterone receptor contents of primary and metastatic human breast tumors in relation to response to endocrine treatment

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Summary

Cytosol receptors for estradiol (RE) and progesterone (RP) in breast tumors from women attending one clinic have been analyzed. The analysis involved a single concentration of [3H] ligand and low speed centrifugation of homogenates. Analysis of tumors immediately before the start of first endocrine treatment indicated a poor response rate in patients with tumor RE <20 fmol/mg protein. A cut-off value of 20 fmol/mg protein gave the best discrimination between responders and nonresponders in both pre- and postmenopausal patients. An appreciable number of responses (17%) was seen with RP negative tumors (<5 fmol/mg protein) and analysis of this receptor alone is not recommended. Combined analysis of RE and RP indicated good response rates for RE+ RP+ (64%) and RE − RP+ (67%) tumors and a low response rate for RE− RP− (9%) tumors. Responses also occurred in patients with RE+ RP− tumors (30%). The influence of cut-off value and menopausal status on clinical usefulness of combined RE and RP analysis is discussed.

Data are also presented on the clinical value of receptor analyses on primary tumors in predicting the endocrine sensitivity of subsequent metastatic disease.

Receptor results for tumors obtained at different times from the same patient are presented and discussed. Receptor phenotype of some tumors does change with time and this is influenced by receptor amount, histological appearance, and intervening treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hormone Biochemistry Department, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Lincoln's Inn Fields, P.O. Box 123, WC2A 3PX, London, UK

    R. J. B. King D.Sc.

  2. Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Breast Cancer Unit, Guy's Hospital, St. Thomas Street, SE1 9RT, London, UK

    J. F. Stewart FRACP, R. R. Millis MRC Path., R. D. Rubens FRCP & J. L. Hayward FRCS

Authors
  1. R. J. B. King D.Sc.
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  2. J. F. Stewart FRACP
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  3. R. R. Millis MRC Path.
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  4. R. D. Rubens FRCP
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  5. J. L. Hayward FRCS
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King, R.J.B., Stewart, J.F., Millis, R.R. et al. Quantitative comparison of estradiol and progesterone receptor contents of primary and metastatic human breast tumors in relation to response to endocrine treatment. Breast Cancer Res Tr 2, 339–346 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01805875

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01805875

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