Comparison of immunocytochemical and biochemical assays for estrogen receptor in fine needle aspirates and histologic sections from breast carcinomas.
An immunocytochemical assay using a monoclonal antibody specific for estrogen receptor (ER-ICA) was performed on needle aspirates and on histologic sections (mastectomy and biopsy specimens) from 55 patients with breast cancer. A total of 82 ER-ICAs were performed, with matched cytologic and histologic specimens in 27 patients, cytology alone in 15, and histology alone in 13. ER-ICA results were described by a histochemical score (H score) based on intensity-weighted percentages of staining cells. The H scores were compared with results of sucrose density gradient (SDG) analysis of histologic specimens (mastectomy, resection, or biopsy). An H score greater than or equal to 10 and an SDG value greater than or equal to 10 fmol/mg protein were considered positive. The sensitivity of cytologic ER-ICA was 94%, the specificity 100%. The sensitivity of histologic ER-ICA was 67%, the specificity 90%. Correlating cytologic H score with Black's nuclear grade showed that grade 1 (the most anaplastic) carcinomas demonstrated the lowest H scores (mean, 7.3 +/- 29.8), whereas the highest H scores were noted in grade 3 tumors (mean, 150.0 +/- 88.1). Both SDG and ER-ICA showed ER values to be lower in premenopausal than postmenopausal women. There was no correlation between H score and presence of axillary nodal metastases or tumor size. An overall good correlation was demonstrated between immunohistochemical methods and biochemical analysis.
Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
R L
RL
Katz
S
S
Patel
N
N
Sneige
H A
HA
Fritsche
G N
GN
Hortobagyi
F C
FC
Ames
T
T
Brooks
N G
NG
Ordonez
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis* / Q000473:pathology; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000032:analysis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D011960:Receptors, Estrogen