title: Oestrogen receptor assay in primary breast cancer: clinical validation and prognostic value.
abstract: The results of a cytoplasmic oestrogen receptor assay in 134 cases of primary breast cancer are reported. Overall, 57% of primary cancers tested were oestrogen-receptor 'positive' (ER+) and attention is drawn to the need for careful initial handling of tumour tissue, to ensure an accurate assay result. ER+ tumours occurred more often and showed higher assay values in postmenopausal compared with premenopausal women and nine of 12 ER+ tumours responded to hormone manipulation when disease recurred. Follow-up of primary disease confirmed that women with ER+ tumours have a better prognosis with a lower risk of early recurrence than those with ER-tumours. It is suggested that clinical validation of the oestrogen receptor assay should precede routine clinical use.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D011786:Quality Control; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D011960:Receptors, Estrogen