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Steroid receptors in sarcomatous lesions
Journal of Surgical Oncology
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Estrogen receptors (ER) were analyzed in various tissues. Sarcomas showed some ER presence, but levels were too low for hormonal therapy to be effective.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- Hormonal factors may influence the natural history of sarcomatous lesions differently in males and females.
- Estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) are key in hormone-responsive tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure ER and PR levels in various sarcoma and control tissue specimens.
- To determine the potential efficacy of hormonal treatment for sarcomas based on receptor status.
Main Methods:
- Biopsy specimens from melanoma, soft-tissue sarcoma, cystosarcoma phylloides, benign breast tissues, and breast carcinoma were analyzed for ER.
- Progesterone receptors (PR) were also analyzed in a subset of specimens.
- Quantification of ER was performed using femtomoles per milligram of cytosol protein.
Main Results:
- 54% of nonmammary sarcoma tissues (6/11) showed ER levels above 7 fmoles/mg cytosol protein, primarily the 4S variety.
- Benign breast tissues had a 19% ER-positive rate (5/27), while breast carcinomas showed a 56% ER-positive rate.
- The amount of 8S ER in sarcomatous tissues was found to be relatively low.
Conclusions:
- While some sarcomas express ER, the levels are generally low.
- The low concentration of ER in sarcomatous tissues suggests hormonal treatment would likely be ineffective.