Estrogen receptor negative

Estrogen receptor negative (often abbreviated as ER-) is a term used in breast cancer diagnosis to describe cancer cells that do not have receptors (proteins) for the hormone estrogen. This means that these cells do not rely on estrogen to grow and divide, and therefore, treatments that block estrogen production or interfere with estrogen's ability to promote cell growth are not effective against these types of cancer cells.

Overview

Breast cancer is a complex disease with many subtypes, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors. One of the key factors that distinguishes one subtype from another is the presence or absence of certain receptors on the surface of the cancer cells. These receptors are proteins that allow the cells to interact with hormones or other substances in the body.

In the case of estrogen receptor negative breast cancer, the cancer cells do not have receptors for the hormone estrogen. This is significant because many breast cancers are fueled by estrogen, and treatments that block estrogen's effects can be very effective in these cases. However, in ER- breast cancer, these treatments are not effective because the cancer cells do not rely on estrogen for their growth and survival.

Diagnosis

The status of the estrogen receptor is determined through a laboratory test performed on a sample of the tumor tissue. This test, known as an immunohistochemistry (IHC) test, uses antibodies that bind to the estrogen receptor if it is present. The results of this test are usually reported as either positive (ER+) or negative (ER-).

Treatment

Because ER- breast cancers do not respond to hormone therapies, treatment options for this type of cancer typically include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgery. The specific treatment plan will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and the patient's personal preferences.

Prognosis

The prognosis for ER- breast cancer can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, the patient's overall health, and the specific treatments used. In general, however, ER- breast cancers tend to be more aggressive and have a poorer prognosis than ER+ breast cancers.

See also

• Breast cancer
• Estrogen receptor positive
• Hormone therapy
• Immunohistochemistry

Estrogen receptor negative Resources
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