Oestrogen Receptor Expression in Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast
Author Information
Author(s): D.N. Poller, D.R.J. Snead, E.C. Roberts, M. Galea, J.A. Bell, A. Gilmour, C.W. Elston, R.W. Blamey, I.O. Ellis
Primary Institution: City Hospital, Nottingham
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between oestrogen receptor expression and various morphological features in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast?
Conclusion
The study found that oestrogen receptor expression is present in approximately 31.8% of cases of pure ductal carcinoma in situ, with significant associations identified with certain morphological features.
Supporting Evidence
- 48 tumours (31.8%) of cases were ER positive.
- 27 (17.9%) of cases showed high level ER expression.
- 21 (13.9%) of cases showed low level ER immunoreactivity.
- Significant associations of positive tumour ER immunoreactivity and non-comedo architecture were identified.
- No significant associations of ER expression and patient age were found.
- Positive ER status in DCIS could infer a possible survival advantage.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many breast cancer cases had a specific protein that can help doctors decide on treatment, finding that about one in three cases had it.
Methodology
The study used immunocytochemical assays to examine oestrogen receptor expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from 151 cases of DCIS.
Limitations
The study did not find significant associations of ER expression with patient age, histological grade of necrosis, or DNA ploidy.
Participant Demographics
Patients included those with symptomatic DCIS or DCIS detected via breast screening, with ages ranging from under 40 to over 60.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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