Can someone explain the meaning of % of ER/PR+

Crescent5

I saw an explanation of it recently, but cannot find it now. Search isn't helping. I recall reading that the % # in the ER/PR part was important. So I found out what mine were, and now I can't remember what it was suppose to mean.  Anyone know? Thank you,

voraciousreader

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understandingcancer/estrogenreceptors

This link gives a good explanation about estrogen receptors.

 http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/hormone_status/read_results.jsp

This link gives a description about what % means.

Crescent5

Thank you, I tried reading that, but it's way too scientific for me. I just need to know if it's good or bad to have high/low percentage % for ER/PR+

I trust a high # means it will respond to HT better, but is that all we get from that number?

Thank you.

pupmom

Crescent5, yes that's all we get, but it's HUGE! The higher your ER% the better. 

Crescent5

Thank you Yorkie. I found out mine were both 90%. I knew that was suppose to be good, but I didn't understand why. I have a real bad feeling about tamoxifen, but those #s suggest I'd almost be an idiot not to take it.:(

pupmom

Cresccent, I'm post-menopausal and am on Exemestane (generic Aromasin). I have had some SEs, but they are manageable. Everyday when I take my pill I thank my lucky stars that I have this medicine to hopefully save my life. I know that sounds melodramatic, but it's how I truly feel.

I think tamoxifin may have worse SEs than what I've experienced, but I really don't know. Some people have very few SEs. Hopefully you will be among those. But even if you have some, keep your eye on the prize: living to be 100!

Best wishes for you! 

DiDel

Crescent I was worried about Tamoxifen as well, I have been on it for almost two years with very little side effects. When I was most concerned about taking it I sat down with my onc and he went through the study and side effects and explained how very rare the most serious side effects really are. He also said if things are terrible...I can stop at anytime and come up with a different game plan. It definitely takes your body a couple of months to get used to it and during that time I had some bloating & cramps and irregular periods. But soon got back to normal.

I am 95% ER+ and feel lucky that we do have a drug that is so effective is keeping the cancer away. Good luck on your journey and PM anytime if you have more specific questions.

Hang in there!

Diane

Crescent5

Thank you so much ladies. I have a strong history of stroke/clots in family history, so that was my biggest concern. I'll discuss this with onc. In limbo as oncotype was just ordered. grrrrrr.

Ps Yorkie: it doesn't sound dramatic it all. It's taking me a while, but I'm starting to realize that my life really is at stake here. Scary.

bgirl

Being ER++++ is a good thing generally.  It is part of what they use to calculate Onco DX scores.  Usually higher helps with lower recurrence score.  Because score takes into account using tamoxifen for 5 years and higher ER will respond better.  Also, it means that there is something feeding tumour and it just isn't growing without help - why triple negative is bad.

Been on Tamox for about 2 months.  SEs a little worse at beginning, but manageable now as body gets used to it.  Remember a lot of people turn to the boards looking for help with problems, not many post glowing results of anything.  So often the viewpoint is skewed.  Lots of people do fine. Also can look at thread on here about different manufacturer's versions. Some find certain brands of Tamox have certain non active ingredients that contribute to some SEs.

Crescent5

Thank you bgirl. The oncotype thing was also what I was looking for. Is anyone else concerned that a supposedly unbiased score is based on taking a certain drug? I want to know what the score is naked, with no drugs and then decide what to take. I got burned a few weeks ago hearing a favorable recurrance score and THEN being told later that was based on tamoxifen. Are the makers of tamoxifen sponsering all these tests? I know I sound paranoid, but it's just odd to me.

I had a BMX, when is that factored in? I'm not mad at anyone here. You're all kind to help. I'm just plain mad. It's so %#@& cruel that this crap comes back and kills.

Galsal

So a higher ER+ is preferred over PR+?  Interesting.  And for those that are higher PR+, any input?

riverhorse

I think Mammaprint calculates recurrence with zero therapy.

bgirl

Crescent5 - Oncotype is to determine how much you would benefit from chemo.  They know the benefits of Tamox as been used for more than 30 years.  Test is for ER+ and node negative BC and so they assume you will be taking tamox.  They know not everyone benefits from chemo and so they are trying to decide by looking at tumour markers and ER status, PR status and HER2 status to figure out if you would.  Low - not likely  Intermediate - indeterminate (depends on a lot of things) hard one  High - definitely would benefit from chemo.  THIS IS ALL FOR DISTANT RECURRENCE - CHANCE OF METS.

BMX  is to prevent local recurrence - chance of coming back in breast - nodes.  I would be happy to share more about my Onco Score and info if you want to PM me.

Tamox is also know to reduce risk of colateral recurrence - other side.  If you had BMX it would not apply to you, but it does for others

voraciousreader

No, Hillck. Tamoxifen reduces the chance of distant recurrence. Read the first link that I posted. It gives a great explanation with pictures too! Specifically slide #16.

1openheart

vreader,

That was a great link that you posted.  I bookmarked that one! 

changes

For those of you asking about the impact of Tamoxifen on distant recurrence, you might want to look up at study published in the last year in The Lancet. They tracked women for 15 years after diagnosis, and Tamoxifen made a major difference in recurrence rates.

besa

I  can try to explain how the test for ER/PR works and what % positive means.  The test is basically done by taking an antibody that will attach to the estrogen receptor that is located on the cancer cells surface (or a progesterone receptor).  The antibody is linked to a dye  - so if the antibody finds and attaches to a cell with a receptor that cell will stain with the dye.  The antibody-dye is mixed with with your breast cancer cells, they let it sit for a while and then wash it off.  Not all cells will be stained with the dye ----only cells with the receptors will stain.  They use a microscope and look at a field containing your cells that have been treated with the antibody linked to a dye.  They count the total number of cells in a microscope field and then count the number of cells that are stained with the dye.  Then they calculate the % that stain--- for example,  % ER positive cells that stain/total number of cells X100.  They will use antibody-dye that will attach to estrogen receptor, and then most likely in a second test use an antibody-dye that will detect the progesterone receptor.