Prostate Cancer Expression Profiles of Cytoplasmic ERβ1 and Nuclear ERβ2 are Associated with Poor Outcomes following Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose: Existing data regarding the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) and prostate cancer outcomes have been limited. We evaluated the relationship of expression profiles of ERβ subtypes and the ER GPR30 (G-protein-coupled receptor-30) with patient factors at diagnosis and outcomes following radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: Tissue microarrays constructed using samples from 566 men with long-term clinical followup were analyzed by immunohistochemistry targeting ERβ1, ERβ2, ERβ5 and GPR30. An experienced pathologist scored receptor distribution and staining intensity. Tumor staining characteristics were evaluated for associations with patient characteristics, recurrence-free survival and prostate cancer specific mortality following radical prostatectomy.Results: Prostate cancer cells had unique receptor subtype staining patterns. ERβ1 demonstrated predominantly nuclear localization while ERβ2, ERβ5 and GPR30 were predominantly cytoplasmic. After controlling for patient factors intense cyto...