title: Application of immunohistochemistry in gastrointestinal and liver neoplasms: new markers and evolving practice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diagnosis of primary gastrointestinal and liver neoplasms is usually straightforward. Immunohistochemistry is most helpful to differentiate metastatic carcinomas with morphologic similarity and to resolve tumors of unknown origin. Recently, several new markers highly sensitive and specific for primary liver and gastrointestinal tumors have been discovered. Their potential diagnostic application has not been widely appreciated by general practicing pathologists. In addition, a new trend in immunohistochemistry application has started, focusing on assessing predictive markers (such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) and mutation-specific markers (v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B V600E) to directly guide clinical management. Practicing pathologists need to be aware of and prepared for this evolving trend.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To summarize the usefulness of several recently discovered immunohistochemical markers in the study of gastrointestinal and liver tumors; to suggest the most current and effective immunohistochemical panels addressing common diagnostic challenges for these tumors; to share practical experience and useful tips for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 testing in gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma and v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B V600E immunohistochemistry in colorectal carcinoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sources include literature review, and authors' research data and practice experience. The cases illustrated are selected from the pathology archives of the Geisinger Medical Center (Danville, Pennsylvania).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Application of immunohistochemistry in gastrointestinal and liver tumors continues to evolve. New tumor-specific markers constantly emerge and help pathologists to further improve diagnostic accuracy. Assessment of predictive and prognostic markers by immunohistochemistry in routine pathologic diagnosis is a new trend and will greatly facilitate the advancement of personalized cancer therapy.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Zongming Eric
authors.initials: ZE
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Fan
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D020125:Mutation, Missense; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; C508053:ERBB2 protein, human