Reliance on Hormone Receptor Assays of Surgical Specimens May Compromise Outcome in Patients With Breast Cancer

Abstract

ER and PR assays on core biopsy specimens are more reliable than assays on surgical specimens. Receptor IHC should be performed on core biopsy specimens to avoid patients with HR positive cancers not receiving appropriate hormonal therapy and being overtreated with systemic chemotherapy. Biopsy should be considered in patients with "receptor negative" cancer and recurrent disease.