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Effect of methylene blue on estrogen-receptor activity
J I Hirsch1, W L Banks, J S Sullivan
1Department of Radiology, Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA.
Radiology
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Methylene blue, used for breast tumor localization, can interfere with estrogen receptor protein (ERP) assays. This dye significantly reduces ERP binding capacity, potentially affecting test accuracy in cancer diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Estrogen receptor protein (ERP) assays are crucial for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Methylene blue is utilized as a dye for localizing occult breast tumors during surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential interference of methylene blue with estrogen receptor protein (ERP) binding-capacity assays.
Main Methods:
- Cytosols from ERP-positive human breast tissue and lyophilized powders were analyzed.
- Varying concentrations of methylene blue were applied to cytosols.
- ERP binding capacity was measured using a binding-capacity assay.
Main Results:
- Methylene blue, at a clinically relevant concentration of 0.1%, significantly reduced the ERP binding capacity of cytosols.
- The observed reduction was due to decreased specific binding, not altered total protein concentration.
- This interference was consistent in both lyophilized and fresh human breast tissue samples.
Conclusions:
- Methylene blue interferes with the accuracy of estrogen receptor protein (ERP) binding-capacity assays.
- The use of methylene blue for tumor localization is not recommended when ERP assays are planned.
- Clinical decisions based on ERP assay results may be compromised if methylene blue is used concurrently.