Progesterone receptor is a favorable prognostic factor of radiation therapy for adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix

Abstract 

Purpose: The prognostic significance of the expression of estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PgR) in adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix has been controversial. Hence, the relationship between the expression of the hormone receptors and clinical outcome was evaluated for patients with adenocarcinoma treated with radiation therapy alone.

Materials and Methods: This study involved 66 patients with cervical adenocarcinoma consisting of 44 adenocarcinomas and 22 adeno-squamous cell carcinomas. They received radiation therapy at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences Hospital between 1962 and 1993. The mean age of the patients was 62.0 ± 12.0 years (range, 36–82 years). The numbers of patients with Stage I, II, III, and IV diseases were 7, 17, 27, and 15, respectively. Their ER and PgR statuses were investigated immunohistochemically using biopsy specimens excised from the cervical tumors before radiation therapy.

Results: ER staining was positive in 12 patients (19%). ER status did not correlate with the 5-year cause-specific, local-control, and disease-free survivals. PgR staining was positive in 12 patients (19%). The disease-free survival rate of PgR-positive patients was significantly higher than that of PgR-negative patients (p = 0.044). Although PgR status did not reach statistical significance in relation to the 5-year cause-specific survival and local-control survival, the better survival was due to less local recurrence rather than to less distant metastasis.

Conclusion: The present study suggested that PgR status was associated with prognosis after radiation therapy for adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Keywords:  Progesterone receptor, Estrogen receptor, Adenocarcinoma, Uterine cervix, Radiation therapy