[Experimental and clinical experiences with steroid hormone receptors in breast cancer]

The determination of hormone receptors is an accepted tool for predicting response to endocrine therapy in advanced breast cancer. Moreover, hormone receptors have a certain prognostic value for the disease-free interval and overall survival time. In our department we have analysed nearly 5,000 breast cancer tissue samples for oestrogen and progesterone receptors. On the basis of our results and data from the literature the following questions, of particular importance to oncologists, are discussed: Which patients possess hormone receptors? Do therapeutic measures influence hormone receptors? Do hormone receptors have a prognostic value for the disease-free interval? What clinical value do hormone receptors have in advanced breast cancer?