SEX STEROID-RECEPTORS IN DIVERSE HUMAN-TUMORS

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 73  (3) , 439-445
Abstract
The human estrogen receptor was assayed in 8 intracranial meningiomas, 14 lung cancers, 3 thymomas and 2 malignant lymphomas using the dextran-charcoal method. Progesterone and androgen receptors were also assayed in all cases of lung cancer. The estrogen receptor assay was positive in 3 meningiomas, 2 lung cancers, and all thymomas and malignant lymphomas. The androgen receptor assay was positive in 1 case of lung cancer but the progesterone receptor was negative in all assayed cases. No cases showed multiple receptor positivity. An antiestrogen (tamoxifen) was administered to 1 case each of intracranial meningioma and lung cancer with positive estrogen receptor. The receptor content was decreased to an undetectable level in the former after 4 mo. of administration. The finding suggests the estrogen dependency of the tumor. The lung cancer patient died 2 wk later without any evidence of hormone dependency.