title: Immunohistologic localization of estrogen receptors in breast cancer with monoclonal antibodies. Correlation with biochemistry and clinical endocrine response.
abstract: Breast cancer specimens from 114 patients were assayed for the presence of estrogen receptors (ER) utilizing highly specific, monoclonal antiestrophilin antibodies and the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. Results were compared with conventional ER determinations by the dextran-coated charcoal method (DCC) and were in agreement as to positivity and negativity in 86%. Semiquantified immunocytologic assay results were in accord with the level of ER as measured by DCC in 66%. The tumors studied included 43 from patients with Stage IV disease where clinical response to hormonal manipulation was known. In the latter group, the immunohistologic method had a sensitivity similar to that of DCC but showed a superior positive predictive value and a significantly better specificity. These results indicate that this new method is a valuable laboratory tool, enabling prediction of hormone responsiveness in advanced mammary carcinoma and capable of performance at the community hospital level.
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis*; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; C010140:estrophilin