Estradiol Receptor in Human Breast Cancers throughout the Menstrual Cycle

Abstract

The existence and the concentration of the estradiol receptor (ER) in breast cancers of pre- and postmenopausal patients were measured. ER status and concentration are significantly higher in cancers of postmenopausal women. Breast cancers operated at various phases of the menstrual cycle showed remarkable differences in ER incidence and concentration. The highest values were found in the early proliferative phase, whereas the ER incidence is lowest in cancers which were operated at early secretory phase. ER concentrations found in late proliferative and late secretory phases are significantly lower than those found in cancers of postmenopausal patients. Statistically significant differences of the ER concentrations between the various phases of the menstrual cycle could not be secured.

Changes in estrogen and progesterone receptor content of primary breast carcinoma during the menstrual cycle

“…Coradini et al [1] reported a significant increase in PgR concentration between the early follicular and early luteal phases. Heise and Gorlich found changes in E R + frequency and concentrations in 132 premenopausal patients but none that were of significant magnitude [2]. Saez and Chouvet studied 185 premenopausal patients and found little change in the frequency of ER positivity during the cycle, although PgR+ declined in the late luteal phase [3].…”

Influence of the menstrual cycle on the concentrations of estrogen and progesterone receptors in primary breast cancer biopsies

“…Heise & Gorlick [15] found the highest ER values in those biopsies excised during the early proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, although a statistically significant difference could not be secured. As well, the lowest incidence of ER positive biopsies was seen during the early secretory phase.…”

“…The menstrual cycle was divided into four phases, early proliferative (days 1-7), late proliferative (days [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15], early secretory (days 16--22) and late secretory (days 23-30).…”

Changing estrogen and progesterone receptor patterns in breast carcinoma during the menstrual cycle and menopause

“…In the overall population, ER was correlated slightly negatively with E2 and Pg, (r ϭ Ϫ0. 16 and Ϫ0.08 respectively; P Ͻ 0.05) and was correlated weakly positively with FSH and LH (r ϭ 0.18 and 0.13, respectively; P ϭ 0.05; Table 2). Because ER was related to menopausal status, we analyzed the subpopulation of women in cycle.…”