Epidermal growth factor receptor-negative tumors are predominantly confined to the subgroup of estradiol receptor-positive human primary breast cancers

• Published in: Cancer research (Chicago, Ill.) Ill.), 1991-09, Vol.51 (17), p.4544-4548
• Main Authors: KOENDERS, P. G, BEEX, L. V. A. M, GEURTS-MOESPOT, A, HEUVEL, J. J. T. M, KIENHUIS, C. B. M, BENRAAD, T. J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers, Tumor - analysis; Breast Neoplasms - chemistry; Cryopreservation; epidermal growth factor; estradiol; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Mammary gland diseases; Medical sciences; Prognosis; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor - analysis; Receptors, Estradiol - analysis; Receptors, Progesterone - analysis; Time Factors; Tissue Preservation; Tumors
• ISSN: 0008-5472; 1538-7445

A total of 725 human primary breast tumor biopsy samples were analyzed for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) content, using a multiple-point EGFR assay standardized in accordance with the recommendations of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Receptor Study Group. After the establishment of a lower cell membrane protein threshold of 0.2 mg of membrane protein per ml of assay buffer, the results of 27% (194 samples) of the EGFR determinations were excluded from the study because of insufficient assay membrane protein content. Of the remaining 531 breast tumor biopsy samples, 57% (302 samples) were shown to be EGFR positive by Scatchard analysis, with a median value of 40 fmol/mg of membrane protein. Of the breast tumor biopsy samples, 72% (380 samples) were estrogen receptor (ER) positive, and 65% (344 samples) were progesterone receptor (PgR) positive. EGFR positivity was found in 46% (173 of 380) of ER-positive and in 85% (129 of 151) of ER-negative breast tumor biopsy samples (P less than 0.0001), as well as in 49% (168 of 344) of PgR-positive and in 72% (134 of 186) of PgR-negative breast tumor biopsy samples (P less than 0.0001). Mean EGFR levels in ER-positive breast tumor biopsy samples were lower than they were in ER-negative ones, 40 +/- 31 (SD) against 72 +/- 55 fmol/mg of membrane protein (P less than 0.0001). Similarly, mean EGFR levels in PgR-positive breast tumor biopsy samples were lower than they were in PgR-negative ones, 41 +/- 29 against 70 +/- 56 fmol/mg of membrane protein (P less than 0.0001). Both EGFR positivity and EGFR levels decreased with increasing steroid hormone receptor levels. A multivariate analysis showed only ER to be independently associated with EGFR.