Comparison of visual and CAS-200 quantitation of immunocytochemical staining in breast carcinoma samples.
Using the CAS-200 image analysis system, we compared the relationship between semiautomated computer measurements (QIC score) and visual scoring (H score) on 30 breast cancer fine needle aspirates (FNAs) and corresponding tissue specimens stained by the estrogen receptor immunocytochemical assay. These results were compared to the corresponding biochemistry assays for ER. We also investigated whether the computerized system could decrease false-negative staining for ER in 32 cryostat sections. QIC scores were generated using fixed nuclear and antibody thresholds after standardizing the illumination. Computer quantitation was essentially as precise as visual semiquantitation for FNAs: a small but significant correlation was found between tumor ER content and QIC score (r = .504, P less than .02) as compared with H score and ER content (rs = .55, P less than .005). The computerized system did not decrease the false-negative rate in cryostat sections. In all, computerized quantitation was no better than visual analysis of ER staining in these breast carcinomas.
Schultz
D S
DS
Department of Pathology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
Katz
R L
RL
Patel
S
S
Johnston
D
D
Ordonez
N G
NG
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen