Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Proteins in Patients with Breast Cancer

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the estrogen and progesterone receptor proteins in patients with breast cancer. Experiments are conducted in many laboratories throughout the world to recognize that steroid hormones generally affect biologic responses in target tissues through the mediation of high-affinity, specific-binding proteins called “receptors” that are present in unique amounts in such responsive tissues. The hormone dependency of breast cancer and the beneficial effect of oophorectomy in two premenopausal women with advanced breast cancer are described in the chapter. There is little doubt that the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer tissue correlates very well with the response of the patient to endocrine therapy. Estrogen receptor protein (ERP) and progesterone receptor protein (PRP) measurements are established as standard practice in the management of patients with breast cancer. Hormone receptors may also be useful as prognostic indicators—particularly in node positive patients. The prognostic role in node negative patients is minimal. The role of ERP/PRP in the management of other hormone-dependent cancers has been well established. Patients with melanomas are currently treated with hormonal therapy.