Marked Intratumoral Heterogeneity of the Proto-Oncogene Her-2/neu Determined by Three Different Detection Systems.

It is customary to submit only one portion of a breast cancer to determine if there is amplification or overexpression of the proto-oncogene HER-2/neu. In routine studies of the expression of neu in breast cancer, however, we noted discrepancies in intratumoral positivity. To investigate this phenomenon further, multiple tumor specimens (129 samples) from 41 women with breast cancer were examined.

Steroid Hormone Receptor Immunohistochemistry in Breast Cancer: Past, Present, and Future.

This article reviews the development of steroid hormone receptor detection using the biochemical approach and the disadvantages inherent in these systems. The early history of methods for the in situ detection of receptors is related, culminating in the development of histologic immunoassays using monoclonal antibodies. Correlation of the latter with disease-free and overall survival and with clinical endocrine response are presented together with preliminary findings utilizing a new generation of antireceptor antibodies.

An analysis of microvessel density, androgen receptor, p53 and HER-2/neu expression and Gleason score in prostate cancer . preliminary results and therapeutic implications.

Objectives: To investigate relationships between microvessel density (MVD), androgen receptors (AR), mutant p53 and HER-2/neu expression and Gleason score (GS) to further understand the tumor biology of prostate cancer (CAP).

Methods: Slides of CAP from patients who underwent radical prostatectomy or channel transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) were tested for androgen receptors by immunocytochemical assay and MVD was analyzed by staining with antibodies to the endothelial cell membrane molecule PECAM-1/CD-31. The p53 monoclonal antibody D07 and HER-2 9G6 mouse monoclonal antibody were used to assess p53 and HER-2/neu expression, respectively.

Image analysis of androgen receptor immunostaining in prostate cancer accurately predicts response to hormonal therapy.

Purpose: Immunostaining for androgen receptor in prostate tumor specimens has revealed that the majority of primary and advanced stage cancers are positive for this regulatory transcription factor. Consequently, its use as a marker for tumor behavior and therapeutic response has been discounted. However, past reports have noted significant heterogeneity of androgen receptor immunostaining between prostate tumor cells in contrast to staining homogeneity in normal epithelium, which indicates that variability in androgen receptor content may exist within certain tumor specimens.

Estrogen receptor immunocytochemistry in endometrial carcinoma: a prognostic marker for survival.

Unlabelled: Only a few parameters such as tumor grade and stage are of value in prognosticating disease course in endometrial carcinoma. Biochemical steroid hormone receptor assays could also be useful but are difficult to perform and interpret. Immunocytochemical assay (ICA) might be the method of choice for detecting endometrial receptors.