title: A matrix approach to guide IHC-based tissue biomarker development in oncology drug discovery.
abstract: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a core platform for the analysis of tissue samples, and there is an increasing demand for reliable and quantitative IHC-based tissue biomarkers in oncology clinical research and development (R&D) environments. Biomarker assay and drug development proceed in parallel. Furthermore, biomarker assay requirements change with each phase of drug development. We have therefore developed a matrix tool to enable researchers to evaluate whether a particular IHC biomarker assay is fit for purpose. Experience gained from the development of 130 IHC biomarkers, supporting a large number of oncology drug projects, was used to formulate a practical approach to IHC assay development. The resultant matrix grid and accompanying work flow incorporates 16 core decision points that link antibody and assay specificity and sensitivity, and assay performance in preclinical and clinical samples, with stages of drug development. The matrix provides a means to ensure that relevant information on an IHC assay in development is recorded and communicated consistently and that minimum assay validation requirements are met.
authors.affiliation: Oncology Innovative Medicines, AstraZeneca R&D, Macclesfield, UK.
authors.forename: Neil R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Womack
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D055808:Drug Discovery / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D057188:Workflow
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor
keywords: assay validation; immunohistochemistry; oncology drug development