Issues and updates: evaluating estrogen receptor-α, progesterone receptor, and HER2 in breast cancer

There are currently three prognostic/predictive biomarkers used in routine clinical management of patients with breast cancer, and their assessment is mandatory. They include estrogen receptor-alpha (ER alpha), progesterone receptor (PgR), and the HER2 oncogene/oncoprotein. This paper briefly reviews the assessment of ERa, PgR, and HER2 in breast cancer, emphasizing recent progress and persistent controversies. Modern Pathology (2010) 23, S52-S59; doi:10.1038/modpathol.2010.55