Plasma oestrogens and oestrogen receptors in breast cancer patients
1985

Plasma Estrogens and Estrogen Receptors in Breast Cancer Patients

Sample size: 50 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): R.C. Mason, W.R. Miller, R.A. Hawkins

Primary Institution: University Department of Clinical Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK

Hypothesis

What is the relationship between plasma estrogen levels and estrogen receptor concentration in breast tumors of postmenopausal women?

Conclusion

The study found a significant positive correlation between estrogen receptor levels in breast tumors and plasma oestrone concentrations in postmenopausal women.

Supporting Evidence

  • 72% of the tumors were ER-positive and 28% were ER-negative.
  • A significant positive correlation was found between the level of ER in the tumor and the level of oestrone in the plasma.
  • The plasma levels of oestradiol-17# were much lower and showed a non-significant relationship with tumor ER activity.

Takeaway

This study looked at how estrogen levels in the blood relate to the presence of estrogen receptors in breast cancer tumors in older women.

Methodology

The study measured plasma levels of oestrone and oestradiol-17/3 and estrogen receptor activity in tumor samples from 50 postmenopausal women.

Participant Demographics

50 postmenopausal women with primary breast cancer

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

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