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Steroid receptors in human brain and spinal cord tumors
J A Kornblum1, J W Bay, M K Gupta
1Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio.
Abstract:
Previous investigators have shown evidence of hormonal receptor protein in human brain tumors. In spite of conflicting results, antiestrogen agents (e.g., tamoxifen) have been used in clinical trials of recurrent unresectable meningiomas. In an effort to accrue further comprehensive in vitro data on this subject, we have evaluated 50 human brain and spinal tumors for estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptor markers. Twenty-nine of the 50 tumors were meningiomas. The other 21 included 11 gliomas of various grades, 5 schwannomas, 3 metastatic carcinomas, 1 angiofibroma, and 1 craniopharyngioma. Only 8 tumors, all meningiomas, were positive for both progesterone and androgen receptors. The 8th tumor was positive for all three receptor proteins. Our study did not find a significant relationship between meningiomas and the presence of steroid receptor protein. We conclude that the use of antiestrogen agents is not indicated in the treatment of meningioma. No significant relationship to sex, menopausal status, tumor type, or tumor location was observed.
Insights
This study found no significant link between meningioma tumors and steroid hormone receptors. Therefore, antiestrogen agents like tamoxifen are not recommended for treating meningiomas.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- Hormone receptor proteins have been detected in human brain tumors, prompting antiestrogen agent use in meningioma trials.
- Conflicting results exist regarding the efficacy of antiestrogen agents in treating meningiomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively evaluate estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptor expression in human brain and spinal tumors.
- To determine the relationship between meningiomas and steroid receptor protein presence.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 50 human brain and spinal tumors for estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptor markers.
- Included 29 meningiomas and 21 other tumor types (gliomas, schwannomas, etc.).
Main Results:
- Only 8 meningiomas showed positivity for progesterone and androgen receptors; one was positive for all three.
- No significant relationship was found between meningiomas and the presence of steroid receptor protein.
- No significant associations were observed with sex, menopausal status, tumor type, or location.
Conclusions:
- The presence of steroid receptor protein in meningiomas is not significant enough to warrant antiestrogen therapy.
- Antiestrogen agents are not indicated for the treatment of meningioma based on these findings.