ER/PR Status

AlohaGirl

I finally remembered to get a copy of my ER/PR pathology report today (it was separate from the rest of my pathology).  I knew I was ER+ since my doctor had started me on tamoxifen (which he would not have done if I hadn't been ER+).  It indicates for ER percent positive max 53%, average 49% and for PR percent positive max 50%, average 39%.  Any idea what this means?  I can ask my medical oncologist next time I see him but since that isn't for 3 months I thought I would see if anyone on the board had any insights.  Thanks!

Jelson

Hi! my er/pr was separate too. mine was er/100%+ and pr/50%. I think you are considered er+ as long as you're er is above 5%.  I don't understand what the progesterone receptiveness actually means in terms of treatment.

Julie E

Deirdre1

Progesterone was/is a marker they do but they only know that progesterone effects the cancer but not how.. is it positive or negative who knows.  They are actually considering removing it from the normal testing since it really doesn't tell them anything - nothing in a pr+ dx affects the type of treatment you receive.  That is not so for estrogen.  We know when the cancer is ER+ that estrogens can make the tumor grow, but they do not know that to be so for PR+ only that the  progesterone has some affect on the tumor..  Some alternative doc's believe that the affects are actually beneficial that progesterone balances out the estrogen.. but it is now, at this point in time, an unknown.  We know they can test for progesterone and they know that the tumor will either react to PR or not react but they really don't know what the reaction is..  I hope that doesn't just muddy the waters more for you!!  Good luck,  Best, Deirdre

AlohaGirl

Thanks for the information!  I guess this means I am moderately ER+/PR+ (since around 50% on both).  So far as I know, the only reason the doctor tested was to see if I should take Tamoxifen -- and I am, with not too many side effects so far several months in -- but I was curious.

Elaine7736

 Jelson/Julie E,  This is a personal thank you to you for your gracious assistance with er/pr.  You are obviously well-informed and willing to share your expertise.  My bs had a number of discussions with onco,path. and breast navigator yielding a potentially interesting result with er/pr. For sure my DCIS is being tested and the Breast Health Program here in Montana may be under going some changes thanks to the efforts of the "little people".  The world can change when people sincerely express their honest requests and opinions.  Hugs, hats off and thanks so much.   Elaine