Epidermal growth factor receptor determination on tumour imprints.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a sensitive prognostic indicator in women with breast cancer. A new technique for the detection of EGFR on breast cancer imprints is described and evaluated in relation to immunohistochemistry on frozen sections. The standard streptavidin-biotin method using the R1 antibody on frozen sections was modified for use on tumour imprints. In the first group (group 1 imprints) 43 tumours were assessed by frozen section and imprint staining. The group 1 imprint method had a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 89% compared with the frozen sections. Further modifications were made for the following 32 tumours (group 2) and this method had a much improved sensitivity of 94% while specificity was preserved. This method is simple and could be performed in any hospital histopathology department.
Hastrich
D J
DJ
Department of Surgery, Bristol Royal Infirmary.
Dunn
J M
JM
Newcomb
P
P
Hall
P
P
Rooney
N
N
Nicholson
S
S
Farndon
J R
JR
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001710:Biotin; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods; D019809:Streptavidin
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001710:Biotin; D019809:Streptavidin; D066246:ErbB Receptors