Prognostic value of estrogen receptor α and progesterone receptor conversion in distant breast cancer metastases

Laurien D.C. Hoefnagel, Cathy B. Moelans, S. L. Meijer, Henk Jan Van Slooten, Pieter Wesseling, Jelle Wesseling, Pieter J. Westenend, Joost Bart, Cornelis A. Seldenrijk, Iris D. Nagtegaal, Joost Oudejans, Paul Van Der Valk, Carla H. Van Gils, Elsken Van Der Wall, Paul J. Van Diest

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

71 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Changes in the receptor profile of primary breast cancers to their metastases (receptor conversion) have been described for the estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of receptor conversion for ERα and PR on survival in a large group of distant non-bone breast cancer metastases. METHODS: Receptor conversion was studied by immunohistochemistry in a group of 233 metastatic breast cancer patients. Kaplan-Meier overall survival curves were plotted, and differences between the curves were analyzed by log-rank analysis. The additional prognostic value of conversion to established prognosticators was studied by Cox regression. RESULTS: Overall survival of patients showing conversion from positive to negative ERα or PR, or from negative to positive ERα or PR, or remaining receptor negative was comparable, and significantly worse than patients remaining receptor positive. ERα or PR receptor conversion from positive in the primary breast tumor to negative in distant metastases has independent negative prognostic value. CONCLUSIONS: ERα or PR receptor conversion from positive in the primary breast cancer to negative in distant metastases has negative prognostic value.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4929-4935
Number of pages7
JournalCancer
Volume118
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 15 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • breast cancer
  • estrogen receptor α
  • metastases
  • progesterone receptor
  • prognostic value
  • receptor conversion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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