Breast Cancer Test Result Long Seen As Positive May Hide a Bigger Risk
Summary
A new study from Sweden found that breast cancers with low to intermediate levels of estrogen receptors (ER) behave differently than those with high ER levels. The researchers suggest that classifying breast cancer by ER levels as a spectrum, rather than a simple positive or negative, could improve treatment decisions and patient outcomes.Key Facts
- Breast cancer cells can have receptors for hormones like estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR), which influence treatment options.
- Cancers are usually classified as ER-positive or ER-negative based on the presence of estrogen receptors.
- The study analyzed data from over 75,000 women in Sweden with HER2-negative breast cancer.
- Tumors with 10%-29% ER expression had survival rates and features closer to ER-negative cancers than strongly ER-positive ones.
- Patients with ER expression between 10% and 59% had worse survival than those with high ER levels.
- Combining chemotherapy with hormone therapy improved survival in patients with intermediate ER expression compared to hormone therapy alone.
- Researchers suggest ER should be reported as a percentage and used as a continuous measurement for treatment decisions.
- More research is needed to apply these findings in clinical practice and explore other factors like progesterone receptors.
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