Open AccessAnalysis by DNA polymerase α activity of human breast tumour proliferation and the effect of endocrine therapy
Author(s) -
N. G. Coldham,
Leslie Lai,
Michael J. Reed,
M.W. Ghilchik,
Naeem A. Shaikh,
V. H. T. James
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
british journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.833
H-Index - 236
eISSN - 1532-1827
pISSN - 0007-0920
DOI - 10.1038/bjc.1990.273
Subject(s) - dna polymerase , polymerase chain reaction , biology , polymerase , breast cancer , endocrine system , dna , biopsy , mammary gland , pathology , cancer research , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , endocrinology , cancer , hormone , gene , biochemistry
Cytosols of human breast tumours have been assayed for DNA dependent DNA polymerase alpha activity. DNA polymerase alpha activity in benign tumours was found to be significantly lower than in untreated malignant tumours. Biopsy samples removed surgically before and after endocrine therapy showed reduced DNA polymerase alpha activity in 6 out of 9 patients treated with 4-hydroxyandrostenedione, and in 6 out of 7 patients treated with MPA. DNA polymerase alpha activity in malignant breast tumours was higher in oestrogen receptor negative than oestrogen receptor positive tumours.