An Improved Histochemical Method for Detection of Estrogen Receptors in Mammary Cancer: Comparison with Biochemical Assay

Unselected, consecutive surgical specimens from 120 women with cancer of the breast were subjected to histochemical assay for the presence of estrogen receptor. A fluoresceinated bovine serum albumin-estradiol conjugate was used that linked estradiol at position 17 and contained 5 mol fluorescein and 4 mol estradiol per mole albumin. Simultaneous competitive binding studies with excess unlabeled estradiol, diethylstilbestrol, and the antiestrogen nitromifene citrate were regularly performed. Results were compared to those obtained by the dextran-coated charcoal receptor assay. Three specimens were necrotic, two others thawed, and two lacked sufficient protein for biochemical analysis. One specimen did not contain tumor, and 11 others showed a predominant nuclear staining pattern. Nuclear receptor was not assayed biochemically. Comparison of results in the remaining 101 cases showed agreement in 92%. The procedure is uncomplicated, economical, and could be performed and interpreted in any pathology laboratory.