Incorporating microarray assessment of HER2 status in clinical practice supports individualised therapy in early-stage breast cancer.

Accurate determination of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) status is essential for optimal selection of breast cancer patients for gene targeted therapy. The analytical performance of microarray analysis using TargetPrint for assessment of HER2 status was evaluated in 138 breast tumours, including 41 fresh and 97 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens. Reflex testing using immunohistochemistry/in situ hybridization (IHC/ISH) in four discordant cases confirmed the TargetPrint results, achieving 100% agreement regardless of whether fresh tissue or FFPE specimens were used.

The utilization of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and flow cytometry (FC) in the diagnosis and classification of non-Hodgkin B-cell and T-cell lymphomas.

The subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphomas may have similar morphology, but have a wide variation in origin, immunophenotype and biological features. Many ancillary investigations are available to help overcome these problems, including fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and flow cytometry (FC). FNAB coupled with FC can reliably distinguish between reactive and neoplastic lymphoid populations.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy and flow cytometry in the diagnosis of lymphoma.

Unlabelled: Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is emerging as a technique of potential value in the diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions in areas such as the breast and thyroid gland. Its place in distinguishing reactive from neoplastic lymphoid proliferations, when compared to the established practice of excision biopsy and histopathology, continues to undergo evaluation. Morphology alone discriminates poorly between atypical or lymphoproliferative disorders as seen in the presence of Epstein-Barr or human immunodeficiency virus.