The value of imprint cytology in cytochemical detection of steroid hormone receptors in breast cancer.

Steroid hormone receptors were studied in 42 patients with primary, recurrent or metastatic breast cancer in cryostat frozen section and imprint preparations. The ligands, 17 B-estradiol-6-carboxymethyloxine-bovine serum album fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC-BSA estradiol) and hydroxyprogesterone-hemisuccinate bovine serum album tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate (TMRITC-BSA progesterone) were used in the fluorescent cytochemical method. Results were compared with standard dextran-coated charcoal (DCC) biochemical assay. Overall, significant correlation between biochemical values and cytochemical fluorescence results was found. However, the imprint results were more sensitive and more specific than the frozen section results. A statistically significant difference (P less than 0.05) was observed between touch preparation material and frozen section specimens by the fluorescent method.