Estrogen receptor-beta expression in extraabdominal fibromatoses: an analysis of 40 cases.
BACKGROUND
Early experiments using ligand-binding assays demonstrated the presence of estrogen receptor (ER) in fibromatoses. These findings were not confirmed by later studies using immunohistochemical analysis.


METHODS
To verify the expression of ERs in fibromatosis as well as to clarify the inconsistency between radioligand and early immunohistochemical studies, the authors examined a series of 40 extraabdominal fibromatoses using antibodies raised against ERbeta.


RESULTS
All 40 cases of extraabdominal fibromatosis were at least focally positive for ERbeta. Thirty-three of 40 (83%) displayed 3+ (>50%) expression, 5 of 40 (12%) were 2+ (11-50%), and 2 of 40 (5%) cases showed 1+ (<10%) expression. All cases were negative for ERalpha.


CONCLUSIONS
Although extraabdominal fibromatosis does not express ERalpha, there appears to be nearly uniform expression of ERbeta. This finding clarifies discrepancies in the literature regarding estrogen expression in fibromatosis, and provides a biological mechanism for the action of antiestrogenic compounds in the treatment of fibromatosis. Estrogen antagonists may have a role in the treatment of refractory or recurrent extraabdominal fibromatoses.
Deyrup
Andrea T
AT
Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Tretiakova
Maria
M
Montag
Anthony G
AG
D000005:Abdomen / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D018222:Desmoid Tumors / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011869:Radioligand Assay
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta