Molecular markers in the endometrium at baseline of postmenopausal patients with early breast cancer in the ATAC (Arimidex, tamoxifen, alone, or in combination) trial.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to assess baseline endometrial molecular events in the ATAC (Arimidex, tamoxifen, alone, or in combination) trial of breast cancer adjuvant therapy.


METHODS
Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) levels and markers of cell proliferation (Ki67) and apoptosis ( Bcl -2) were assessed in 93 patients at baseline.


RESULTS
An inactive/atrophic endometrium was found in 63 patients, 5 had a proliferative endometrium, and 12 had a secretory endometrium. Thirteen endometrial polyps were analyzed. Inactive endometrium showed high levels of ER in the glandular epithelium, whereas in more than 50% of samples, PR expression was negative or low (+) in the glandular epithelium, and stroma. Ki67 expression was low in both the glandular epithelium and the stroma of the inactive endometrium, whereas Bcl -2 expression was mostly high or very high (+++/++++) in the glandular epithelium. Bcl -2 was strongly expressed (+++/++++) in the glandular epithelium of polyps.


CONCLUSIONS
Although all patients were asymptomatic, some had endometrial pathology.
Duffy
Sean R G
SR
Endometrial Subprotocol Group, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK. medsrd@stjames.leeds.ac.uk
Taylor
Lydia
L
D000077384:Anastrozole; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009570:Nitriles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017698:Postmenopause; D011379:Prognosis; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000032:analysis; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000032:analysis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014230:Triazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D009570:Nitriles; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone; D014230:Triazoles; D013629:Tamoxifen; D000077384:Anastrozole