Progesterone receptors in two groups of endometrial carcinoma

Abstract

A previous study evaluated two types of endometrial carcinoma: one withthe other withoutassociated adenomatous hyperplasia (Groups 1 and 2respectively). On the basis of histologic observationsthe study concluded that Group 1 tumors were likely to be estrogen‐dependentwhereas Group 2 tumors appeared to represent a hormone‐independent type of cancer. The authors present quantitative biochemical data to support the proposition that Group 1 tumors are likely to be under the influence of estrogen. Progesterone receptor levelsknown to be increased by estradiolwere significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. Analysis of histologic variants revealed that some histologic componentssuch as mucinous adenocarcinomasquamous componentsand stromal foam cellspredominated in Group 1 and maythereforebe indicative of estrogen action. Certain histologic featureshoweversuch as papillary carcinomaclear cellsand anaplastic carcinoma with giant tumor cellswere found exclusively in Group 2thus suggesting a lack of estrogenic influence. These findings indicate that Group 1 and Group 2 endometrial carcinomas may constitute two different biologic entities andthusencourage further basic and clinical research to develop specific therapies for patients diagnosed to have endometrial cancer.