Correlation of estrogen and progesterone receptors with histologic differentiation in endometrial adenocarcinoma.

ABSTRACT

Endometrial carcinomas from 58 patients were graded histologically, and the histologic grade was compared with the estrogen and progesterone receptor content of the tumor tissues. Receptor content was determined by multiple concentration saturation analysis and sucrose density gradient analysis. A positive correlation was found between the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors and the degree of tumor differentiation. The majority (85%) of well-differentiated lesions contained significant amounts of both steroid receptor proteins. In contrast, only 13% of the poorly differentiated lesions were characterized by the presence of detectable levels of both estrogen and progesterone receptor proteins. The relationship of receptor content and degree of differentiation to prognosis and potential for response to hormonal therapy is discussed.

ABSTRACT

PIP The histologic grade of endometrial carcinoma is compared with the quantitation of both estrogen and progesterone receptor proteins. 58 patients of 100 consecutive cases of endometrial neoplasia seen at Duke University Medical Center had adequate tissue for complete evaluation. The study covered a 22-month period from September 1, 1976 to July 1, 1978. The patient population ranged in age from 28-92 years and had both locally invasive and metastatic endometrial neoplasia. Receptor content was determined by multiple concentration saturation analysis and sucrose density gradient analysis. A positive correlation was found between the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors and the degree of tumor differentiation. 85% of well-differentiated lesions contained significant amounts of both steroid receptor proteins while only 13% of poorly differentiated lesions were characterized by the presence of detectable levels of both estrogen and progesterone receptor proteins. Attention is directed to the relationship of receptor content and degree of differentiation to prognosis and potential for response to hormonal therapy.