OESTROGEN RECEPTOR ASSAY IN PRIMARY BREAST CANCER: CLINICAL VALIDATION AND PROGNOSTIC VALUE

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Abstract
The results of a cytoplasmic estrogen receptor assay in 134 cases of primary breast cancer are reported. Overall, 57% of primary cancers tested were estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) and attention is drawn to the need for careful initial handling of tumor tissue, to ensure an accurate assay result. ER+ tumors occurred more often and showed higher assay values in postmenopausal compared with premenopausal women and 9 of 12 ER+ tumors responded to hormone manipulation when disease recurred. Follow-up of primary disease confirmed that women with ER+ tumors have a better prognosis with a lower risk of early recurrence than those with ER-tumors. Clinical validation of the estrogen receptor assay should precede routine clinical use.