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Updated: Jun 30, 2025
12:31
An Ex vivo Model to Study Hormone Action in the Human Breast
Published on: January 8, 2015
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Hormone receptor conversion in metastatic breast cancer
Kristýna Procházková1, Radovan Vojtíšek2, Josef Vodička1
1Department of Surgery, Charles University and University Hospital, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
Summary
Hormone receptor (HR) status frequently changes between primary breast cancer and its metastases. This HR conversion impacts treatment decisions for metastatic breast cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hormone receptor (HR) status is crucial for breast cancer treatment decisions.
- Previous research indicates potential HR status changes in metastatic breast cancer.
- Limited studies compare HR status between primary tumors and metastases from complete resections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of HR alterations in metastatic breast cancer.
- To investigate the rate of HR conversion from primary tumors to metastatic sites.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 50 patients with metastatic breast cancer.
- Inclusion of patients who underwent metastasectomy (brain, lung, liver) between 2000-2019.
Main Results:
- HR conversion observed in 60.0% of cases (30/50).
- HER-2/neu discrepancy occurred in only 2.0% of cases.
- Immunophenotype changes noted in 28% of cases; triple-negativity more common in brain metastases.
Conclusions:
- HR conversion between primary breast cancer and metastases is significant.
- These HR alterations have critical implications for guiding patient treatment strategies.
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