[Specific receptors for sex hormones in tumors of the central nervous system].

Abstract

The hormone sensitivity of some tumors seems to be mediated by the presence of specific receptor proteins, and a correlation seems to exist between the amount of receptor molecules and the behavior of the tumor evolution. Epidemiological data suggest a relation between the steroid sexual hormones and the development of some tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). The authors determine the amount of receptors specific to 17-beta-estradiol and progesterone in several cases of meningioma, glioma, neurinoma and intracerebral metastases. 17-beta-estradiol receptors were always detected, although in very variable amount (3 to 74 fm/mg protein). Progesterone receptors were found in all the studied CNS in women, and only in a few male gliomas, in amounts varying between 3 and 17 fm/mg protein. The significance of hormone receptors in the CNS tumors need further studies to know if they can be applied to prognosis and suggest the assay of a complementary endocrine therapy of CNS tumors.