Immunohistological Approach to Tumor Diagnosis

Paraffin-embedded tissues from 15 women with breast or endometrial carcinomas were analyzed in a study designed to explore the possible value and validity of an immunoperoxidase method for the detection of estrogen receptor in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. Results were compared with biochemical assays for estrogen receptor performed on cytosols of fresh tissue from the same patients. There was complete correlation in nine of 15 (60%) of the tumors analyzed. Four cases (26.7%) were judged positive for estrogen binding sites by immunoperoxidase but were negative for estrogen receptor by biochemical assays; in two cases the converse was observed. The immunohistologic technique is relatively rapid and utilizes fixed paraffin sections of the same tissue that is used for standard histologic diagnosis. The provision of a permanent record that can be kept for future reference provides an advantage over immunofluorescence methods that have been advanced for the detection of estrogen receptors. The excellent morphology achieved permits an assessment of the staining of individual cells in relation to the usual histologic criteria employed in the diagnosis of breast and endometrial cancer. This stands in contrast to biochemical cytosol-based assays that take no account of variations in receptor expression by the tumor cells or variations in the proportion of the assayed material that is in fact neoplastic as distinct from supporting stroma and connective tissue.

Detection of estrogen receptor in breast and endometrial carcinoma by the immunoperoxidase technique

Taylor

Cooper

Kurman³

et al. 1981

Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system. Computerized tomography scan characteristics and treatment results for 12 cases

Mendenhall¹,

Thar²,

Frank

et al. 1983

116

A retrospective analysis of 12 patients with primary central nervous system non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma seen from 1958 to 1980 was carried out with emphasis on diagnostic evaluation and treatment results. Computerized tomography (CT) scans were found to be the most valuable diagnostic tool both for initial evaluation as well as follow‐up. Characteristic CT scan features were identified and are discussed. Three patients had a history of previous immunosuppression; two had preceding and concurrent uveitis. Nine of the 12 patients were treated primarily with radiation therapy. Three patients were diagnosed at autopsy and had not received definitive therapy. Size of lesion proved to be the most important prognostic factor and appeared to be related to location. Gross total excision of tumor did not appear to improve survival. Two patients were alive with no evidence of disease at 38 and 48 months, respectively. Recurrences were noted from 1 to 33 months after diagnosis (median, 14 months), suggesting the advisability of long‐term follow‐up prior to presumption of cure. From these results and a review of the literature, possible treatment approaches are presented. Cancer 52:1993‐2000, 1983.

Monoclonal antibodies reactive with B-lymphocytes and histiocytes in paraffin sections

Okon

Felder

Epstein

et al. 1985

Representative sections of normal lymph nodes, cases of reactive lymphadenopathy, and Hodgkin's disease were examined using two monoclonal antibodies reactive in paraffin sections using an immunoperoxidase technique. Antibody LN-1 recognizes B-lymphocytes in follicles; antibody LN-2 recognizes a broader spectrum of B-cells, and also shows positivity with some monocytes/histiocytes. The pattern of immunostaining with these antibodies is described with particular reference to Hodgkin The pattern of immunostaining with these antibodies is described with particular reference to Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells. Some of the implications are discussed.