[Steroid hormone receptors in osteogenic sarcomas]

The method of hormone-receptor complex precipitation with protamine sulfate was used in 57 males suffering osteogenic sarcoma to identify and evaluate cytoplasmic androgen (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) levels versus age and prior treatment as well as to assess their prognostic significance. AR were most often observed in younger patients and those pretreated with chemo- and radiotherapy whereas ER mostly occurred in older ones. Presence of AR (in untreated tumor or following preoperative therapy) adversely influenced prognosis. It took AR-positive tumors less time to disseminate to the lung after the start of treatment. The use of antiandrogen drugs for osteogenic sarcoma treatment is discussed.