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Renal cancer steroid receptors: biochemical basis for endocrine therapy
Abstract:
The hypothesis of hormone dependence of human renal cancer, based on experimental and clinical data, has recently been supported by estradiol-receptor (ER) and progesterone-receptor (PR) studies. ER and PR, found in experimental renal cancer as well as in normal human kidney and in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC), have been measured in 27 RCCs from patients submitted to surgery and endocrine therapy, in an attempt to predict the response to progestational therapy . Of these 27 tumors, 59% were positive for ER and 59% for PR; 37% were positive and 19% were negative for both ER and PR. The follow-up of 23 patients so far investigated showed that progestational therapy, commenced in 18 patients, has given favorable results in 14 patients and negative results in 3 patients with ER-PR- renal cancer. Antiestrogenic therapy, started after nephrectomy in 1 patient with ER+PR- renal cancer and lung metastases, failed since the patient died 8 months after surgery.
Insights
Hormone receptors like estradiol and progesterone receptors (ER/PR) are present in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Measuring ER/PR levels can help predict patient response to progestational therapy for kidney cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Urology
Background:
- The hormone dependence of human renal cancer is a growing area of research.
- Previous studies have indicated the presence of estradiol receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) in experimental renal cancer, normal kidney tissue, and human renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure ER and PR levels in 27 RCC tumors.
- To determine if ER and PR levels can predict the response to progestational therapy in patients with renal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Tumor samples from 27 patients undergoing surgery and endocrine therapy were analyzed for ER and PR expression.
- Patient outcomes were monitored following progestational or antiestrogenic therapy.
Main Results:
- Estradiol receptor (ER) was detected in 59% of tumors, and progesterone receptor (PR) was detected in 59% of tumors.
- 37% of tumors were positive for both ER and PR, while 19% were negative for both.
- Progestational therapy was administered to 18 patients, resulting in favorable outcomes in 14 patients.
- Three patients with ER-PR-negative tumors showed negative responses to progestational therapy.
- One patient with ER-positive, PR-negative renal cancer and lung metastases received antiestrogenic therapy, but the patient died 8 months post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- The presence of ER and PR in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) suggests a potential role for hormone dependence in kidney cancer.
- ER and PR receptor status may serve as predictive markers for response to progestational therapy in RCC patients.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the role of hormone receptors in renal cancer and optimize endocrine treatment strategies.