Histological category and expression of hormone receptors in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

BACKGROUND: While the role of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status in invasive breast cancer has been clinically established, data with respect to their role in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast (DCIS) are sparse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed 120 consecutive patients with DCIS I-III. Detailed histological categorization and immunohistochemical staining for ER and PR were performed and correlated with clinical data. RESULTS: DCIS I, DCIS II, and DCIS III were found in 51, 36 and 33 patients, respectively. Comedo-type tumors (p<0.001), presence of tumor necrosis (p<0.001) and absence of ER (p=0.005) were significantly associated with poorly-differentiated DCIS. No association was ascertained between PR expression and grade of DCIS. Hormone receptor expression was independent of the patients' menopausal status. CONCLUSION: We support the assumption that DCIS I-III is morphologically and biologically heterogeneous. Our results contribute further data on the role of ER and PR in the pathogenesis and progression of DCIS.