The effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on estrogen and progesterone receptor expression and hormone receptor status in breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may decrease tumor volume to allow breast conservation surgery. Its effect on estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER/PR) expression and hormone receptor (HR) status is controversial.


METHODS
From February 2001 to July 2002, 56 breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 56 non-neoadjuvant therapy (control) patients with adequate tissue samples were identified. Quantitative ER/PR expression was analyzed in preneoadjuvant or preoperative core biopsies and final surgical specimens. Changes between the two groups were compared to determine if alterations were due to neoadjuvant chemotherapy or tissue sampling.


RESULTS
The ER/PR expression changed in 34 (61%) neoadjuvant chemotherapy patients and 27 (48%) control patients. These expression changes resulted in HR status (positive/negative) alterations in 3 patients (5%) in both groups. Age, histology, chemotherapy regimen, and neoadjuvant response did not predict change.


CONCLUSIONS
Hormone receptor status changed in 5% of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and control groups due to tissue sampling. As these changes may impact treatment, HR expression reanalysis in final surgical specimens is recommended.
Lee
Susan H
SH
The Breast Health Center, Program in Women's Oncology, Women and Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley St, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
Chung
Maureen A
MA
Quddus
M Ruhul
MR
Steinhoff
Margaret M
MM
Cady
Blake
B
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism*
D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone