Estrogen and progesterone receptors in bronchogenic carcinoma.
Although the lung is not usually considered a major target organ of sex hormones, epidemiological observations, studies of pulmonary neoplasms in laboratory animals, and investigations of carcinomas derived from other "nontarget" organs suggest that sex hormones may have a role in the pathogenesis of bronchogenic carcinoma. To confirm that estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors are present in human lung cancers, 19 resected lung cancers were examined for receptors using a prelabeled sucrose gradient method. Three squamous cell carcinomas were positive for ER (greater than 6.9 fmol/mg cytosol protein). Three squamous cell carcinomas, two adenocarcinomas, and one small cell carcinoma were positive for progesterone receptors (greater than 6.9 fmol/mg cytosol protein). One tumor, a squamous cell carcinoma arising in a woman who smoked, had an ER level of 301 fmol/mg, a highly positive level even for breast cancers. These observations may provide a basis for adjuvant hormonal therapy in selected lung cancer patients.
Cagle
P T
PT
Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.
Mody
D R
DR
Schwartz
M R
MR
D000368:Aged; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000737:chemistry*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000032:analysis*; D012737:Sex Factors
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone