Expression of Vimentin and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor In Effusions From Patients With Breast Cancer; Correlation With Oestrogen and Progesterone Receptor Status

Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) status and the vimentin (V) status of malignant cells in pleural fluids from patients with breast cancer were determined using an immunoperoxidase labelling technique. The results were correlated with the oestrogen receptor (ER) and the progesterone receptor (PR) status of the primary tumour and with disease-free survival time of the patient. A negative correlation between EGFr and V status and hormone receptor status was found. The longest mean survival time occurred in patients with negative EGFr and V status and positive hormone receptor (ER and PR) status. The shortest mean survival time occurred in patients with positive EGFr and V and negative ER and PR status.