COVID-19 RATs are an example of these types of tests but we are interested in the many others on the market.
The University of Wollongong is conducting a small study about them and we'd like to hear from you if you have used one or considered using one.
Simply complete a short survey at: https://uow.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeodpzn8lgSsAbI
From here, we may invite you to take part in a paid interview.
For more information, contact Dr Patti Shih: pshih@uow.edu.au
Oestrogen and progesterone receptor status
Oestrogen receptors; progesterone receptors
To determine whether a breast cancer tumour is positive for oestrogen and/or progesterone receptors, which helps to guide treatment and determine prognosis.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and your doctor wants to determine whether the tumour's growth is influenced by the hormones oestrogen and/or progesterone.
A sample of breast cancer tissue obtained during a biopsy or a tumour removed surgically during a lumpectomy or mastectomy.
Oestrogen receptors and progesterone receptors are specialised proteins found within certain cells throughout the body. These receptors bind to oestrogen and progesterone, female hormones that circulate in the blood, and promote new cell growth and division.
Many breast cancer tumours have receptors for oestrogen and/or progesterone, often in large numbers. These tumours are said to be hormone-dependent, and oestrogen and/or progesterone feed their growth. Breast cancer tissue can be tested to see if it is positive for these receptors.
A sample of breast cancer tissue is obtained (such as by doing a fine needle aspiration, needle biopsy, or surgical biopsy) or a tumour removed surgically during a lumpectomy or mastectomy is tested.
Hormone receptor status helps determine prognosis. Breast cancers that are estrogen receptor (ER)- and progesterone receptor (PR)-positive tumours tend to have a better prognosis than those with ER- or PR-negative tumours.
Hormone receptor status testing also helps determine what treatment may be used in addition to surgery to help improve the prognosis when a primary tumour has been removed or when a tumour recurs. Possible treatment options may include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy (anti-hormone treatments, such as tamoxifen), or Her-2 targeted therapy.
Hormone receptor status testing is usually performed as part of further testing following diagnosis of invasive breast cancer. It helps the doctor determine treatment options and understand more about the tumour's characteristics.
In general, ER- and/or PR-positive breast cancer has a better prognosis than ER- or PR-negative breast cancer. ER- and PR-positive breast cancer is likely to respond to endocrine therapy (anti-hormone treatments). The more receptors present and the more intense their reaction, the more likely the response. However, an individual's response depends on a variety of factors.
If a patient's cancer is ER-negative but PR-positive, the patient may still benefit from endocrine therapy but may have a diminished response.
If the cancer is both ER- and PR-negative, then the patient will probably not benefit from endocrine therapy.
Her-2/neu testing may be done at the same time as hormone receptor status testing. A patient with a positive oestrogen and/or progesterone receptor status may find their response to endocrine therapy diminished if they are also Her-2/neu-positive.
However, specific treatment is now available for Her-2/neu-positive breast cancers e.g. Trastuzumab (Herceptin®).
Hormone receptor status testing is not available in every laboratory. Samples may be sent to specialist centres for testing and interpretation.
Her-2/neu, tumour markers
Conditions: Breast cancer
RCPA Manual: Breast biopsy; Estrogen receptors (ER) and Progesterone receptors (PR) Better Health Channel: Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Network Australia
Last Review Date: October 9, 2022