Absence of Progesterone Receptor Linked to Secondary Breast Cancer in Older Women
Author Information
Author(s): Balleine R L, Earl M J, Greenberg M L, Clarke C L
Primary Institution: Westmead Institute for Cancer Research, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney
Hypothesis
Is the absence of progesterone receptor expression associated with disease progression in postmenopausal women with breast cancer?
Conclusion
The absence of progesterone receptor expression in primary breast cancer is linked to disease progression and may indicate a more aggressive tumor.
Supporting Evidence
- Rates of receptor expression were significantly higher in primary than in secondary lesions.
- Only postmenopausal patients had significantly lower rates of progesterone receptor expression in secondary tumors.
- An increase in the ER+PR– profile in secondary tumors was observed in postmenopausal patients.
Takeaway
If a woman has breast cancer and doesn't have a certain receptor, it might mean her cancer is getting worse.
Methodology
The study compared receptor expression in fine needle aspirates from primary and secondary breast tumors.
Participant Demographics
Postmenopausal women and women under 50 years old.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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