Steroid hormone receptors in endometrial stromal sarcomas. A biochemical and immunohistochemical study.

Seven cases of endometrial stromal sarcoma (five low grade and two high grade) were analyzed immunohistochemically for the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors. In four cases (three low grade and one high grade), these results were compared to biochemical findings. All low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas were positive for progesterone receptors using immunohistochemical techniques. These results correlated well with biochemical evaluation of progesterone receptors. The high-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas were negative for progesterone and estrogen receptors by both methods. The advantages of immunohistochemical evaluation of steroid receptors have been well established in breast and endometrial carcinomas. This study demonstrates the usefulness of this technique in endometrial stromal sarcomas.