Hormone receptors in male breast cancer

Hormone receptor assays were performed on specimens of breast cancer from 19 male patients over a six year period. Ninety-four per cent were positive for oestrogen receptor, 93% for progesterone receptor and 57% for androgen receptor. Eight patients had hormonal treatment for advanced disease and five (62.5%) responded. Duration of response ranged from six months to 23 months. There appeared to be no clear relationship between hormone receptor status or quantitative receptor level and response to treatment in this small series. It is unlikely that oestrogen and progesterone receptors will be of value as discriminators because of their high incidence and it is suggested that further study of androgen receptor is indicated.