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Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions
Published on: March 12, 2019
Estrogen receptor expression in adrenocortical carcinoma
Xiao-cao Shen1, Cai-xiao Gu, Yi-qing Qiu
1Urology Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B
|February 7, 2009
Summary
Estrogen receptor (ER) expression in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) was investigated. ER-positive ACC patients showed significantly better survival rates compared to ER-negative patients, suggesting ER status impacts prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, highly malignant adrenal tumor with poor prognosis.
- Diagnosis is often delayed, contributing to poor patient outcomes.
- Estrogen receptor (ER) expression in ACC is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate estrogen receptor (ER) expression in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC).
- To evaluate the clinical experiences and outcomes of 17 ACC patients.
- To determine the correlation between ER expression and ACC prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 17 ACC patient cases.
- Evaluation of symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up data.
- Immunohistochemistry to detect ER expression in tumor tissues.
Main Results:
- Eight out of 17 ACC patients showed positive nuclear ER immunostaining.
- ACC stages at diagnosis included Stage I (4), Stage II (4), Stage III (3), and Stage IV (6).
- ER-positive patients had significantly better 1-year (86% vs. 38%) and 5-year (60% vs. 0%) survival rates than ER-negative patients (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Estrogen receptor (ER) positivity may be associated with a worse prognosis in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC).
- Further research is needed to understand the role of ER in ACC pathogenesis and treatment.
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