Immunohistochemistry in Tumor Pathology: An Indispensable Tool for The Diagnosis and Classification of Neoplasms
Downloads
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has revolutionized diagnostic surgical pathology, evolving from a research technique to a cornerstone of modern oncologic diagnosis. By visualizing specific antigenic epitopes within the morphological context of tissue architecture, IHC provides critical information that is often unattainable by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining alone. This review synthesizes the pivotal role of IHC in the verification, classification, and prognostic stratification of neoplasms. We discuss its fundamental principles, from antibody selection and antigen retrieval to signal detection and interpretation. The clinical utility of IHC is explored across major tumor types, including carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and melanocytic lesions, highlighting essential diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarker panels. We address current challenges such as standardization, interpretation variability, and the integration of novel digital and multiplexing technologies. The conclusive evidence underscores IHC as an indispensable, cost-effective method that directly informs therapeutic decisions, enabling personalized cancer care within the framework of precision medicine.
1. Taylor CR, Levenson RM. Quantification of immunohistochemistry--issues concerning methods, utility and semiquantitative assessment II. Histopathology. 2006 Oct;49(4):411-24. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2006.02513.x.
2. Dabbs DJ. Diagnostic Immunohistochemistry: Theranostic and Genomic Applications. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020.
3. Hodi FS, Ballinger M, Lyons B, et al. Immune-Modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (imRECIST): Refining Guidelines to Assess the Clinical Benefit of Cancer Immunotherapy. J Clin Oncol. 2018 Mar 10;36(8):850-858. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2017.75.1644.
4. Lim HJ, Lee MH. Principles of Immunohistochemistry. In: Lee H, Kim H, editors. Cancer Biomarkers. Clinical Aspects and Laboratory Determination. Singapore: Springer; 2021. p. 25-40.
5. Tan WW, Li H, Chung I. Antibody Validation for Protein Expression on Tissue Sections. J Histochem Cytochem. 2020 May;68(5):325-333. doi: 10.1369/0022155420920866.
6. Weissferdt A, Kalhor N, Bishop JA, et al. Immunohistochemistry in the Diagnosis of Thoracic Tumors: A Practical Approach. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2020 Sep 1;144(9):1015-1031. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2020-0072-RA.
7. Wolff AC, Hammond MEH, Allison KH, et al. Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Testing in Breast Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists Clinical Practice Guideline Focused Update. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2018 Nov;142(11):1364-1382. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2018-0902-SA.
8. Taube JM, Akturk G, Angelo M, et al. The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer statement on best practices for multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining and validation. J Immunother Cancer. 2020 May;8(1):e000155. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000155.
