Epidermal growth factor receptor status of histological sub-types of breast cancer

The histological breakdown of a consecutive series of 264 surgically resected malignant lesions of the breast was studied. Oestrogen and epidermal growth factor receptor status was quantified and presented along with size and lymph node status of the non-ductal lesions. Those non-ductal tumours containing EGF receptors have all recurred within two years of resection. Twenty-one percent of the lobular carcinomas contained EGF receptors compared to 34% of ductal carcinomas. EGF receptor status appeared to be associated with an increased risk of early recurrence and death whatever the histological sub-type of the breast cancer.