[Expression of epidermal growth factor receptors and their ligands in malignant tumors of the breast].

Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) have been investigated in the tumors of 166 breast cancer patients and concentrations of their ligands (alpha-TGF and EGF) were measured in 104 tumors by radioimmunoassay. EGFR and both growth factors were simultaneously detected in 18% and EGFR and one of the ligands were found in 11%. There were trends to higher frequency of EGFR expression in advanced tumors, in ductal and lobular infiltrative cancers with high grade of malignancy and in estrogen receptor negative breast cancers.

[The effect of steroid hormones and tamoxifen on the rate of phospholipid turnover in the cells of uterine and breast tumors].

The cycle of phospholipid turnover has been found to be under the negative control of hormonal cytostatics (progesterone) and under the positive control of proliferation stimulants (17 beta-estradiol, epidermal growth factor). Specific changes in the synthesis of phospholipids are shown when tamoxiphen, an antiestrogen and an inhibitor of protein kinase C, was used. The findings suggest that changes in the turnover rate of phospholipids are one of the key stages of steroid action on target cells and may be regarded as an additional criterion of tumor genetic sensibility.

[The role of tumor receptor status in choosing adjuvant therapy for breast cancer patients of reproductive age].

Estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor levels were assayed in primary tumor samples from 271 premenopausal patients suffering T1,2N1M0 (stage II) breast cancer. Four clinical groups were identified according to steroid receptor levels in which results of adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy or complex treatment) were assessed. ER and PR positivity was associated with longer disease-free and overall survival.

[Steroid hormone receptors in spontaneous testicular tumors in dogs].

Cytoplasmic receptors to androgens (AR), estrogens (ER), progesterone (PR) and glucocorticoids (GR) were studied in tumors and normal tissue of the testis in dogs. Peculiarities of distribution of receptors were assessed versus age and tumor histology. Benign Leydig cell tumors failed to reveal AR and ER.