Prognostic significance of interactions between ER alpha and ER beta and lymph node status in breast cancer cases

Abstract

Objective: Both estrogen receptors, ER alpha (ERα) and ER beta (ERβ), are expressed in 50-70% of breast cancer cases. The role of ERα as a prognostic marker in breast cancer has been well established as its expression is negative correlated with tumor size and lymph node metastasis. ERβ is also a favorable prognostic predictor although this is less well documented than for ERα.

Materials and methods: To explore whether ERs independently or together might influence clinical outcome in breast cancer, the correlation between the ERs with the clinicopathological features was analyzed in 84 patients.

Results: ERα expression negatively correlated with tumor stage (r=-0.246, p=0.028) and tended to be negatively correlated with lymph node status (r=-0.156, p=0.168) and tumor size (r=-0.246, p=0.099). Also, ERβ was negatively correlated with nodal status (r=-0.243, p=0.028), as was coexpression of ERα and ERβ (p=0.043, OR=0.194, 95% CI= 0.040- 0.953).

Conclusion: Coexpression of ERs might serve as an indicator of good prognosis in breast cancer patients.