MULTIPLE OR SEQUENTIAL OESTROGEN RECEPTOR ASSAYS IN BREASTCANCER

Abstract

Multiple oestrogen receptor assays have been performed on primary, locally recurrent, and metastatic breast cancer in 62 patients. A change in receptor status was found in seven of 25 late recurrences (28%). It was noted that the level of oestrogen receptor was higher in lymph nodes than the primary tumour, particularly at the time of initial surgery. Other factors which might contribute to differences in receptor levels include site of metastases, method of handling, heterogeneity of tumours, and subsequent treatment. Such differences have important implications in management.