[Estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PgR) in ovarian cancer]

Abstract

The paper reviews recent advances regarding interactions between cells and steroid hormones together with the latest data on receptor content in normal and malignant ovarian tissue and their importance in tumoral biology. Three recently published studies confirm that there is an 84% concentration of PgR and 35% of ER in the normal ovary. The incidence of steroid receptors in benign tumours is virtually the same as that found in normal tissue, except for a slight increase in PgR, whereas in malignant ovarian cancer ER and PgR receptors show marked changes. PgR levels fall dramatically from 94% to 42%, while there is a slight rise in ER levels. It has also been demonstrated that low receptor status tumours were more aggressive than those with high receptor positivity in all patients with a follow-up of two or more years. In terms of clinical management, the tumour differences led to the use of synchronised chemohormonal treatment. Preliminary data are encouraging but further research is required to identify the optimal combination. With reference to receptor expression in relation to prognosis it appears clear that receptor-positive tumours have a better prognosis than receptor-negative ones.