Related Experiment Videos
Hormonal receptor determination in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas
Abstract:
Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNA) are rare. They have been frequently treated with estrogens, either solely or as an adjuvant therapy prior to surgery or irradiation. Clinical trials have proveded no evidence to explain the objective respose to estrogens observed in some tumors. Since the mechanism of steroid hormone action is mediated via specific receptors, we analyzed 8 JNA for tumor cytosol estrogen receptors. None were positive for estrogen receptors. Additionally, all were also negative for progesterone receptors. Nasopharyngeal angiofibromas occur predominantly in adolescent boys at a time when there is a gradual change in androgen availability. Therefore, three latter angiofibromas were also analyzed for the presence of cytosol androgen receptor. Specific testosterone and dihydrotestosterone binding components in the tumor cytosol were detected. This observation raises for the first time the possibility that JNA may be an androgen-dependent tumor. Estrogen may act as an antiandrogen on these tumors, an action similar to that on prostate cancer.
Insights
Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNA) lack estrogen receptors, challenging prior treatment assumptions. However, the presence of androgen receptors suggests JNA may be an androgen-dependent tumor.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNA) are rare tumors.
- Estrogen therapy has been used for JNA, but its efficacy lacks clear evidence.
- The mechanism of estrogen's effect on JNA is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of steroid hormone receptors in JNA tissue.
- To explore the potential role of androgens in JNA development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 8 JNA samples for estrogen and progesterone receptors in tumor cytosol.
- Analysis of 3 JNA samples for androgen receptors (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone binding).
Main Results:
- None of the JNA samples were positive for estrogen receptors.
- All JNA samples were negative for progesterone receptors.
- Androgen receptor binding components were detected in the cytosol of three JNA samples.
Conclusions:
- JNA may be an androgen-dependent tumor, not estrogen-dependent.
- Estrogen's effect might be mediated through anti-androgenic activity.
- Further research into androgen pathways in JNA is warranted.