Oestrogen receptor negative-progesterone receptor positive phenotype in 1,211 breast tumours
1992

Study of Oestrogen Receptor Negative- Progesterone Receptor Positive Breast Tumours

Sample size: 1211 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): M.F. Pichon, E. Milgrom

Primary Institution: Laboratoire de Biochimie Hormonale and INSERM U. 135, CHU de Bicetre

Hypothesis

What are the characteristics and prevalence of oestrogen receptor negative-progesterone receptor positive breast cancers?

Conclusion

Only a small number of breast cancers are oestrogen receptor negative and progesterone receptor positive, and this phenotype may be due to various factors including hormonal treatment.

Supporting Evidence

  • 5.78% of the studied breast tumours were found to be ER(-) PgR(+).
  • Two tumours were identified as true ER(-) PgR(+) by all methods.
  • Ten tumours displayed high PgR concentrations despite being ER(-).
  • Some tumours may have non-binding forms of ER.
  • Monoclonal antibodies provided better detection of receptors than traditional methods.

Takeaway

Some breast cancers can be tricky because they don't have the usual receptors we look for, which makes them special and needs more study.

Methodology

The study involved reassessing breast tumours using various techniques including Elisa and immunocytochemistry.

Limitations

The study may not account for all factors influencing receptor status, and the sample may not represent all breast cancer cases.

Participant Demographics

The study included a diverse group of patients with primary or metastatic breast cancers.

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