Immunohistochemistry Applied to Breast Cytological Material

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Pinto, D (Author) Other; Fernando Schmitt (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Pathobiology

ISSN: 1015-2008

Publisher: Karger

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 16 Citations

Scopus - 14 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-ETJ

DOI: 10.1159/000522542

Abstract (EN): Fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) of the breast are minimally invasive procedures enabling the diagnosis of suspicious breast lesions. Unfortunately, they are often perceived as inferior to core-needle biopsies, namely because they are supposedly unable to differentiate between high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma or provide material for ancillary testing. Several studies have shown, however, that FNAB samples, when handled properly, are indeed capable of providing sufficient and adequate material for ancillary testing, namely immunocytochemistry (ICC). We reviewed the published literature regarding the use of ICC for both diagnostic and theranostic uses in the different types of cytological samples obtained from FNABs of the breast, including smears, liquid-based cytology samples, and cellblocks. We found that p63 and 34 beta E12 show promise in aiding in the differential diagnosis between in situ and invasive lesions and that most other diagnostic markers may be used as in tissue. Regarding theranostic ICC markers, results vary between publications, but with care, these can successfully be performed in cytological samples. Air-dried smears should be avoided, and cellblocks are overall more versatile than cytology slides, enabling the evaluation of not only hormonal receptors and HER2 by ICC, but also of Ki-67. Particular attention should be paid to fixation and antigen retrieval procedures in all cases. We recommend that laboratories without experience perform short validation runs before adopting these techniques into clinical practice.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 16