Tumour steroid hormone synthesis and estrogen receptor status in breast cancer patients

Summary The capacity of breast cancer to synthesise active androgens and estrogens has been related to estrogen receptor (ER) status in 79 postmenopausal patients with breast cancer. Although there was no quantitative relationship between levels of ER and steroid metabolism in ER positive tumours, there was (a) a positive correlation between estrogen synthesis and ER positivity and (b) increased androgen synthesis and ER negativity. This may imply an inherent difference in the handling of hormones in ER positive and negative tumours.Address for reprints: R.C. Mason, University Department of Clinical Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh EH39YW, United Kingdom.