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Steroid receptors in renal cell carcinoma: relevance to hormonal therapy
Abstract:
The relevance of the presence of steroid receptors in the response to hormonal therapy was examined in 19 patients with renal cell carcinoma who were treated by surgery and progestins. Estrogen and progesterone receptors were determined in tissue samples obtained from the tumors, and normal (autologous) and control kidneys. The tumoral tissues had the lowest content of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and the lowest percentage of samples positive for receptor. Autologous kidneys had a higher percentage of positive estrogen and progesterone receptors compared to tumoral tissues, and a lower estrogen receptor content compared to control kidneys. The 18-month survival rate under progesterone therapy for 9 patients with stages I and II tumor was 86 per cent and for 10 with stage IV tumor it was 8 per cent. The low content of progesterone and estrogen receptors in patients with renal cell carcinoma may explain the poor response rate of these patients to hormonal therapy.
Insights
This study found that low levels of estrogen and progesterone receptors in renal cell carcinoma tumors correlate with poor response to hormonal therapy. This suggests receptor presence is crucial for treatment effectiveness in kidney cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hormonal therapy is a treatment option for certain cancers.
- The role of steroid receptors in cancer treatment response requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relevance of estrogen and progesterone receptors in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients treated with hormonal therapy.
- To correlate receptor levels with treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Main Methods:
- Assessed estrogen and progesterone receptor presence in tumor tissues and normal kidney samples from 19 RCC patients.
- Analyzed 18-month survival rates in relation to tumor stage and progesterone therapy.
Main Results:
- Tumoral tissues exhibited significantly lower estrogen and progesterone receptor content compared to autologous and control kidneys.
- Patients with Stage I and II RCC showed an 86% survival rate, while Stage IV patients had an 8% survival rate under progesterone therapy.
- A low presence of these steroid receptors in RCC tissues was observed.
Conclusions:
- The low content of estrogen and progesterone receptors in renal cell carcinoma may explain the limited efficacy of hormonal therapy in these patients.
- Steroid receptor status is a potential biomarker for predicting response to hormonal treatment in kidney cancer.