Estrogen receptor-beta expression in extraabdominal fibromatoses: an analysis of 40 cases.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Early experiments using ligand-binding assays demonstrated the presence of estrogen receptor (ER) in fibromatoses. These findings were not confirmed by later studies using immunohistochemical analysis.

METHODS:

To verify the expression of ERs in fibromatosis as well as to clarify the inconsistency between radioligand and early immunohistochemical studies, the authors examined a series of 40 extraabdominal fibromatoses using antibodies raised against ERbeta.

RESULTS:

All 40 cases of extraabdominal fibromatosis were at least focally positive for ERbeta. Thirty-three of 40 (83%) displayed 3+ (>50%) expression, 5 of 40 (12%) were 2+ (11-50%), and 2 of 40 (5%) cases showed 1+ (<10%) expression. All cases were negative for ERalpha.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although extraabdominal fibromatosis does not express ERalpha, there appears to be nearly uniform expression of ERbeta. This finding clarifies discrepancies in the literature regarding estrogen expression in fibromatosis, and provides a biological mechanism for the action of antiestrogenic compounds in the treatment of fibromatosis. Estrogen antagonists may have a role in the treatment of refractory or recurrent extraabdominal fibromatoses.

• Authors: Andrea T Deyrup, Maria Tretiakova, Anthony G Montag
• Journal: Cancer (Cancer) Vol. 106 Issue 1 Pg. 208-13 (Jan 01 2006) ISSN: 0008-543X [Print] United States
• PMID: 16333857 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2005 American Cancer Society.

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Estrogen Receptor alpha
• Estrogen Receptor beta

Topics

• Abdomen (pathology)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Biomarkers, Tumor (metabolism)
• Child
• Estrogen Receptor alpha (metabolism)
• Estrogen Receptor beta (biosynthesis)
• Female
• Fibromatosis, Aggressive (metabolism)
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Radioligand Assay