A divergent role for estrogen receptor-beta in node-positive and node-negative breast cancer classified according to molecular subtypes: an observational prospective study

2008

The Role of Estrogen Receptor-Beta in Breast Cancer

Sample size: 936 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Flavia Novelli, Michele Milella, Elisa Melucci, Anna Di Benedetto, Isabella Sperduti, Raffaele Perrone-Donnorso, Letizia Perracchio, Irene Venturo, Cecilia Nisticò, Alessandra Fabi, Simonetta Buglioni, Pier Giorgio Natali, Marcella Mottolese

Primary Institution: Regina Elena Cancer Institute

Hypothesis

What is the role of estrogen receptor-beta (ER-β) in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer?

Conclusion

ER-β positivity is associated with a more aggressive clinical course in node-positive breast cancer patients, while it predicts a favorable response to hormonal therapy in node-negative patients.

Supporting Evidence

ER-β positivity is located in the quadrant containing more aggressive phenotypes such as HER2 and triple-negative tumors.
In node-negative patients, ER-β positivity predicts a favorable response to hormonal therapy.
In node-positive patients, ER-β positivity is associated with a higher risk of relapse.

Takeaway

This study looked at how a protein called estrogen receptor-beta affects breast cancer. It found that in some patients, having this protein means their cancer might be more serious, while in others, it can help them respond better to treatment.

Methodology

An observational prospective study using immunohistochemistry to evaluate ER-β expression in 936 breast carcinomas and analyze associations with biopathological factors and molecular subtypes.