Immunocytochemical analysis of receptors for estrogen and progesterone in fine‐needle aspirates from human breast carcinomas

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies were used for a preoperative analysis of estrogen receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptors (PgRs) in fine-needle aspirates from 44 primary human breast carcinomas. The semiquantitative receptor values obtained in cytologic specimens correlated well with those from enzyme immunoassay analysis on surgically removed tumor tissue (r = 0.74 for PgR; r = 0.75 for ER). Cytologic smears showed a heterogenous tumor cell distribution of ER and PgR in 29 and 23 cases, respectively. The results suggest that measurement of the ER and PgR in cytologic smears is an accurate and reliable technique that can be performed on a minimum amount of tissue.

Optimal fixation conditions for immunocytochemical analysis of estrogen receptor in cytologic specimens of breast carcinoma

“…Our results with the Abbott method showed a concordance rate of 91.5%, which is in keeping with those reported in the literature. 8,19,[21][22][23] Although the Abbott method yields good staining results in ICC analysis, it requires a sequence of 3-reagent fixation, several rinse steps, and storage of smears in storage medium at Ϫ20°C to Ϫ80°C before immunostaining-a fairly cumbersome and time-consuming procedure to be applied, especially in clinicians' office or clinics. It would also be difficult to transport the various reagents to the patient's bedside for proper fixation of the FNA smears when ER study is indicated.…”

Proliferating Fraction During Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of Primary Breast Cancer in Relation to Objective Local Response and Relapse-free Survival

“…There is an urgent need for a reliable marker of sensitivity to chemotherapy in the same way that estrogen and progesterone receptor content can predict sensitivity to endocrine therapy (15). Previously, proliferative activity in breast cancer tumor cells at diagnosis has been suggested to predict overall prognosis.…”

“…Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is an established technique for the diagnosis of breast cancer in clinical practice. Aspirated cells can also be used for immunocytochemical analyses of, for example, estrogen and progesterone receptor content (11). The development of monoclonal antibodies against cell proliferation specific antigens has also made it possible to assess proliferation in cytologic breast cancer samples.…”

Associations between serum testosterone levels, cell proliferation and progesterone receptor content in normal and malignant breast tissue in postmenopausal women

“…In 91 healthy women, percutaneous fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies from the upper outer quadrant of the left breast were performed using a needle with an outer diameter of 0.6 mm [23,24]. In order to produce several identical slides, the aspirated cells were mixed with 0.5 ml of 4% buffered (pH 7.4) formalin in the syringe used to procure cells.…”