Hormone receptor status in primary breast cancer--time for a consensus?

In a previous study, we demonstrated wide variability in the access to oestrogen receptor (ER) measurement, patient selection, choice of technique and the cut-off point for positivity. The aim of this study was to update information on the current use of ER and progesterone receptor (PR) measurement in the United Kingdom (UK). Questionnaires, asking about availability, use and technique of ER and PR measurement, were returned from 170 (74%) units in the UK. Where ER positivity was determined using the percentage of cells staining positive (33%), the absolute cut-off point for positivity varied widely from 5 to 80% of cells. Of the 170 responding units, 107 (63%) felt that PR measurement was important. This study confirms considerable variability in both the technique of ER measurement and the absolute cut-off point for positivity (5-80%). It is essential that a consensus be reached regarding the choice of technique, as well as the threshold for positivity.