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[EGF receptors in human breast cancer. Relation to hormonal receptors]
Abstract:
EGF membrane receptors (R-EGF) were assayed in 65 human breast cancer biopsies. The Scatchard analysis of the binding of 125I-EGF indicated a single class of sites with an apparent dissociation constant of 1 nM. Fourty-eight percent of the tumors are R-EGF positive (specific binding greater than 1% of total radioactivity), the level of receptors reaching 14%. We have not observed any relationship between R-EGF and hormone receptors (estradiol, progesterone and prolactin) or clinical and histological characteristics of the tumor. Taking into account the role of EGF in growth of some human breast cancer epithelial cells culture and the possible production of R-EGF by oncogenes, these results suggest that R-EGF could be an uindependent biochemical marker of human breast cancer.
Insights
This study found that Epidermal Growth Factor membrane Receptors (R-EGF) are present in nearly half of human breast cancer biopsies. These R-EGF may serve as an independent biochemical marker for breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) plays a role in the growth of some human breast cancer cells.
- Oncogenes may lead to the production of EGF membrane receptors (R-EGF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of R-EGF in human breast cancer biopsies.
- To determine if R-EGF levels correlate with other tumor markers or characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Assay of EGF membrane receptors (R-EGF) in 65 human breast cancer biopsies.
- Scatchard analysis of 125I-EGF binding to determine receptor affinity and quantity.
- Comparison of R-EGF status with hormone receptor status and clinical/histological features.
Main Results:
- A single class of R-EGF sites was identified with a dissociation constant of 1 nM.
- 48% of tumors were R-EGF positive, with receptor levels up to 14%.
- No significant relationship was observed between R-EGF and hormone receptors or tumor characteristics.
Conclusions:
- R-EGF is present in a substantial subset of human breast cancers.
- R-EGF levels do not appear to be associated with established clinical or hormonal markers.
- R-EGF represents a potential independent biochemical marker for human breast cancer.