A comparative study of cytologic smears and frozen-tissue sections in the determination of sex steroid receptor status of breast carcinomas.
The estrogen receptor (ER) status of breast cancer is important as an indicator of prognosis and in the selection of patients for endocrine therapy. Biochemical techniques (estrogen receptor analysis [ERA]) are conventionally used to determine ER; however, they have limitations and disadvantages. In this study a monoclonal antibody to ER (estrogen receptor-immunochemical assay [ERICA]) was used to detect the presence of ER on cytologic and frozen tissue specimens of breast cancers and was compared with the dextran-coated charcoal assay. One hundred two breast cancers were studied. Ninety-four specimens were studied by ERA and ERICA; in eight patients in whom tissue was insufficient for ERA, ERICA alone was performed. ERICA correlated remarkably well with ERA: 94% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. In the eight patients in whom ERA could not be performed, ERICA was successfully applied to obtain information regarding receptor status. There was uniform agreement between frozen-sectioned tissues and cytologic smears. The results suggest that immunocytochemical determination of ER is a valuable adjunct and/or alternative to the biochemical method for determination of the ER status of breast cancers.
Johnson
H
H
Department of Surgery, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, N.Y.
Mir
R
R
Richer
S
S
Wise
L
L
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis* / Q000473:pathology; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000032:analysis* / Q000473:pathology; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D005260:Female; D005629:Frozen Sections; D006801:Humans; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen