‌Free prolactin receptor status in breast cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background: Prolactin simulates the development and differentiation of breast cells. This hormon is mediated by its binding to the specific membrane receptor. Objective: To evaluate the free prolactin receptor (PRO-R) status in malignant tumors of the breast. Methods: Free PRO-R was estimated in the membrane of 40 breast cancer tumors by ligand binding assay. Findings: The results indicated that 45% of tumors have specific binding greater than 1% of radioactivity which was defined to be positive for PRO-R. Grade II and III tumors had 54% and 40% PRO-R respectively. 40% of the patients with lymph node involvment and 64% without lymph node involvement were observed to be positive for PRO-R. 40% of premenopauses and 50% of postmenopauses had PRO-R +. Conclusion: Some breast cancer tumors have lymph node involvement.