Progesterone and Oestrogen Receptors in Human Breast Cancer

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Abstract
Receptors for progesterone were found in 27% of 98 human breast tumors, and for estrogen in 57% of 191 tumors. With 1 exception, progesterone receptors were found only in tumors which also contained estrogen receptors. Levels of estrogen receptor in positive tumors rose significantly with patient age whereas progesterone receptors were unchanged. Progesterone receptor levels were lower in lymph node metastases than in primary tumors, and estrogen receptor levels were lower in large tumors (> 5 cm diameter) compared to small lesions. Receptor levels were not significantly correlated with circulating concentrations of either estrogen or prolactin. The implications of receptor measurements in assessing hormone responsiveness of breast tumors are discussed.