Estrogen and progesterone receptor tests
Explanation
Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) tests examine breast cancer tissue for proteins that hormones can attach to. These findings help guide treatment. They do not measure hormone levels in the blood.
What does positive mean here?
ER-positive means the cancer cells have estrogen receptors. PR-positive means they have progesterone receptors. If either is present, the cancer may be described as hormone receptor-positive, or HR-positive. These receptors can allow hormones to encourage cancer-cell growth.
How does this affect treatment?
Hormone receptor-positive cancers may respond to medicines that reduce hormone production or block the effect of hormones on cancer cells. In this setting, hormone therapy means treatment intended to slow the cancer’s growth.
A receptor-negative result does not mean there is no cancer or that no treatment is available. It helps the team choose other options.
Why might the receptors be tested again?
The findings can change if cancer returns. Testing a new tissue sample may therefore help guide treatment at that time. The team also considers other findings in the tumor sample.
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