Comparison of estrogen receptor levels in primary and regional metastatic carcinoma of the breast

The estrogen receptor (ER) level in carcinoma of the breast is a useful predictor of response to hormonal therapy. Metastatic disease may not have the same level of ER as the primary. In a series of 37 patients who had simultaneous ER determination in both primary neoplasm and regional nodal metasta...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of surgery 1979-07, Vol.190 (1), p.69-71
Main Authors: Hoehn, J L, Plotka, E D, Dickson, K B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Axilla
Breast Neoplasms - metabolism
Breast Neoplasms - pathology
Carcinoma - metabolism
Carcinoma - pathology
Female
Humans
Lymph Nodes
Lymphatic Metastasis
Menopause
Neoplasm Metastasis - metabolism
Receptors, Estrogen - metabolism
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Summary:The estrogen receptor (ER) level in carcinoma of the breast is a useful predictor of response to hormonal therapy. Metastatic disease may not have the same level of ER as the primary. In a series of 37 patients who had simultaneous ER determination in both primary neoplasm and regional nodal metastasis there was 81% agreement. The true ER character of the tumor would have been missed in seven patients if only the primary tumor had been sampled. The possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. We feel that the nodal metastatic deposit may reflect the true nature of the ER status because it represents a purer concentration of tumor cells as well as representing the aggressive element of the tumor.
ISSN:0003-4932
1528-1140
DOI:10.1097/00000658-197907000-00015