immunohistochemical expression of estrogen reception and progestrone receptor in astrocytomas

ABSTRACT

In this study, the tumor specimens from 20 cases of astrocytic neoplasms of various histologic grades were stained immunohistochemically using avidin-biotin peroxidase method and monoclonal antibodies to estrogen and progesterone [ER and PR] receptors. The correlation between ER and PR expression and patient's age, sex, location of tumors, histologic grade, survival and recurrence rate was evaluated. It was found that positive nuclear immunostaining for estrogen receptors was noted in 9/20 cases ranging from score +1 to +3. Progesterone receptor positivity was also noted in the nuclei of 9/20 of the cases. The statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between ER and PR receptors expression and patient's age, sex or histologic grade. PR showed a significant correlation to the tumor location, since most of PR positive tumors were located in the temporal area. ER and PR positive patients showed a significant correlation with patient survival and decreased recurrence rate. It was concluded that positive functioning estrogen and progesterone receptors are present in a number of astrocytomas that may stimulate the clinical use of hormonal therapy in the management of astrocytomas, particularly, recurrent and inoperable cases