[Steroid receptors--their meaning in the treatment of breast neoplasms]

Quantitation of estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer has contributed to a better understanding of the prognosis of hormone treatment. In case of lymph node involvement adjuvant chemotherapy is indicated in estrogen receptor negative tumours. In patients with positive estrogen receptor pattern, hormone treatment eventually combined with chemotherapy is recommended. Comparable results are found after treatment with antiestrogens, side-effects, however, are found less frequently.