Biochemical and immunohistochemical estrogen and progesterone receptors in adenomatous hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma: correlations with stage and other clinicopathologic features.

Objective: This study investigates clinicopathologic associations of estrogen and progesterone receptor content in endometrial carcinoma.

Study Design: One hundred fifty-two patients with endometrial cancer and 12 with adenomatous hyperplasia were included. Dextran-coated charcoal receptor assay and immunohistochemical analysis were used. The immunohistochemical analysis receptor content was estimated semiquantitatively by a total and a cancer immunohistochemical histologic score. Multiple regression analysis was used in testing independence of established correlations.

Results: Estrogen and progesterone receptor dextran-coated charcoal values and immunohistochemical histologic scores correlated inversely (p < 0.001) with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade of tumor. An inverse correlation (p < 0.0001) between clinical stage and dextran-coated charcoal values was independent of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade. Age of patient, years since menopause, and previous estrogen treatment were not related to receptor content. In adenomatous hyperplasia high progesterone receptor levels were seen.

Conclusion: The inverse correlation between clinical stage of endometrial carcinoma and content of estrogen and progesterone receptors may reflect tumor biologic behavior.