Describes cells that do not have a protein that binds to the hormone estrogen. Cancer cells that are estrogen receptor negative do not need estrogen to grow. This means that they will keep growing when estrogen is not present and do not stop growing when treated with substances that block estrogen from binding. Also called ER negative.
( ES-truh-jin reh-SEP-ter NEH-guh-tiv )
Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
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