Definitions for "Estrogen receptor assay"
the estrogen receptor assay is a laboratory test done on a sample of the cancer in order to see whether estrogen receptors are present. The growth of normal breast cells and some breast cancers is stimulated by estrogen. Estrogen receptors are molecules that function as cells' "welcome mat" for estrogen circulating in the blood. Breast cancer cells without these receptors (called estrogen receptor negative or ER negative) are unlikely to respond to hormonal therapy. Estrogen receptor positive cancers are more likely to respond to hormonal therapy.
A test that is done on cancerous tissue to see if a breast cancer is hormone-dependent and may be treated with hormonal therapy. The test will reveal if your cancer is estrogen receptor positive or negative.
a test that must be done on cancerous tissue to find out if a breast cancer is hormone-dependent and may be treated with hormone therapy.