Which receptor status trio is used to define common breast cancer subtypes in standard testing?

Which receptor status trio is used to define common breast cancer subtypes in standard testing?

• A. ER, and HER2 status only
• B. ER, PR, and HER2 status
• C. Only ER status
• D. PR and HER2 status only

Answer: (B)

Receptor testing in breast cancer uses three markers: estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2. This trio defines the common subtypes and guides therapy. If ER or PR is positive, endocrine (hormone) therapy is possible; if HER2 is positive, anti-HER2 therapies are used; when all three are negative, the tumor is typically treated as triple-negative with different chemotherapy approaches. The combinations ER/PR with or without HER2 give the major subtypes (HR+/HER2-, HR+/HER2+, HR-/HER2+, and HR-/HER2-), which is why including all three receptors is essential for standard classification. Choosing only one or two of these markers misses important treatment implications and subtype distinctions.

Receptor testing in breast cancer uses three markers: estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2. This trio defines the common subtypes and guides therapy. If ER or PR is positive, endocrine (hormone) therapy is possible; if HER2 is positive, anti-HER2 therapies are used; when all three are negative, the tumor is typically treated as triple-negative with different chemotherapy approaches. The combinations ER/PR with or without HER2 give the major subtypes (HR+/HER2-, HR+/HER2+, HR-/HER2+, and HR-/HER2-), which is why including all three receptors is essential for standard classification. Choosing only one or two of these markers misses important treatment implications and subtype distinctions.