Steroid-receptor proteins in nonepithelial malignancies of the ovary.

Tissue samples from 20 patients with nonepithelial ovarian malignancies were assayed for cytosol estrogen (ERc) and in selected samples progestin-receptor (PRc) proteins. The nine germ cell malignancies assayed were low in ERc. One recurrent granulosa cell tumor had an ERc concentration of 36 fmole/mg cytosol protein (fmole/mg c.p.) while three other stromal tumors were low in ERc. Three of seven mixed mesodermal tumors had a high ERc concentration (34-91 fmole/c.p.). Two primary and one recurrent granulosa cell tumors and one endodermal sinus tumor had borderline to elevated PRc levels (18-254 fmole/c.p.). Four of seven mixed mesodermal tumors had borderline to slightly elevated PRc concentrations (13-22 fmole/c.p.). The low ERc in germ cell malignancies of the ovary is consistent with previous clinical observations that the growth of these tumors is not influenced by removal of the contralateral ovary. The high ERc levels detected in three of seven mixed mesodermal ovarian tumors and one of three granulosa cell tumors suggest that hormone-related therapy should be investigated in the management of patients with these malignancies.