Ovarian carcinoma: Histologic and clinical correlation of cytoplasmic estrogen and progesterone binding

Primary ovarian carcinomas from 18 patients, ages 27-79, were evaluated for the presence of estrogen- and progesterone-binding proteins. The levels of cytosolic sex steroid receptor were compared to histology, nuclear grade, and the patients' clinical course. The data suggest that nuclear grade and receptor status each correlate with the patients' clinical course. The simultaneous presence of both estrogen and progesterone receptor proteins tend to be noted in tumors with more well-differentiated nuclei. It is suggested that the determination of biochemical cytosolic receptor status may become an important addition to tumor type, nuclear grade, and staging as prognostic indicators in patients with ovarian carcinoma. Histochemical staining for estrogen-binding localization did not correlate with SDGA and DCCA receptor analysis nor with clinical parameters.