Comparison of radioligand assay and immunostaining for epidermal growth factor receptor in human breast cancer.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor status is a useful prognostic indicator in women with breast cancer. Lack of standardization and correlation of methodology for the detection of EGF receptor has hampered its further evaluation. EGF receptor status was ascertained by immunohistochemistry and radioligand assay in 120 breast cancers. Of 52 tumours negative for EGF receptor on radioligand assay, 47 were negative on immunohistochemistry and, of 68 tumours positive for the receptor on assay, 52 were positive on immunohistochemistry. If the more widely evaluated radioligand assay is assumed to be the 'gold standard', immunohistochemistry has a sensitivity of 81 per cent and a specificity of 91 per cent.
Hastrich
D J
DJ
University Department of Surgery, Bristol Royal Infirmary, UK.
Dunn
J M
JM
Nicholson
S
S
Newcomb
P
P
Farndon
J R
JR
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011869:Radioligand Assay; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D066246:ErbB Receptors