Tissue carcinoembryonic antigen and estrogen receptor in human breast cancer

Abstract Sixty‐six human ductal infiltrative breast carcinomas were examined for their estrogen receptor (ER) by the dextran‐coated charcoal procedure and for the presence of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) by immunofluorescence with the aid of monoclonal antibodies. Statistically significant differences in CEA positivity were found between stage III (33%) and stage II (19%) tumors (Z = 2.08; p < 0.02) and between ER + (22%) and ER – (37%) tumors (Z = 2.083; p < 0.02). An inverse correlation was observed between positivity and receptor concentrations. No difference in CEA positivity was observed between pre‐ and post‐menopausal women.