The most important point in the diagnosis of cancer is an immunohistochemical study. Every day, microorganisms that can start the development of the pathological process penetrate the human body. Defense forces counter this by forming antibodies. This reaction formed the basis for the creation of the IHC study.
The essence of the method
This method of diagnosing cancer is the most modern and reliable. In the process of development of the tumor process, proteins that are foreign to the body - antigens - are formed. At the same time, the immune system produces antibodies, the main purpose of which is to prevent the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms.
The task of immunohistochemical research is the timely detection of cancer cells. For this, the biological material of the patient is processed with a variety of antibodies, and then carefully studied under a microscope. If these protein compounds bind to tumor cells, their glow will be visualized. The appearance of the fluorescence effect also indicates the presence of cancer cells in the body.
To date, at the disposal of specialists performing the IHC study, there are almost all antibodies to various types of tumors, which is the key to obtaining reliable results.
Opportunities
The modern type of diagnosis allows you to determine:
- the spread of the tumor process;
- growth rate of malignant neoplasms;
- type of tumor;
- source of metastases;
- malignancy level.
In addition, the degree of effectiveness of cancer treatment can be assessed using immunohistochemical studies.
Indications and contraindications
Using this method, it is possible to study any tissues of the human body. The main basis for the appointment of an immunohistochemical study is the suspicion of a malignant formation.
In this case, the method is used to:
- determining the type of tumor and the area of its localization;
- detection of metastases;
- assessment of the activity of the tumor process ;
- detection of pathological microorganisms.
The analysis is also effective for problems with conception.
An immunohistochemical study of the endometrium is indicated for:
- infertility
- diseases of the uterus;
- the presence of pathologies in the organs of the reproductive system;
- miscarriage;
- chronic diseases of the endometrium.
In addition, an IHC study is prescribed for patients who do not become pregnant even after several attempts at in vitro fertilization. The method allows you to determine whether there are cells in the body that reduce the likelihood of conception.
There are no contraindications to the IHC study. The only factor that makes it impossible to analyze is the insurmountable difficulty in taking patient biomaterial.
How is
First of all, a sample of the patient’s tissue is obtained by biopsy. Less commonly, material is taken during an endoscopic examination or surgery. The method of obtaining the sample depends on the type of tumor and its location.
An important nuance is that the collection of material during the initial examination should be carried out before treatment. Otherwise, the results of the study may be distorted.
After collecting the biomaterial, it is placed in formalin and sent to the laboratory, where it is subjected to the following processing:
- A tissue sample is degreased and embedded in paraffin. In this form, biological material can be stored for a very long time, due to which the IHC study can be repeated.
- Several thin sections are collected from the sample and transferred to special glasses.
- On them, the biomaterial is stained with solutions of various antibodies. At this stage, both a small panel and a large one can be used. In the first case, reactions are studied after using 5 types of antibodies, in the second, up to several tens.
- In the process of immunohistochemical research in cancer of any organ, the effect of fluorescence appears, which makes it possible for a specialist to determine the type of malignant cells.
Interpretation of Results
As a rule, the conclusion is ready in 7-15 days. The term depends on the type of panel used (small or large). The advanced method takes longer.
A pathologist who has the knowledge and skills (confirmed by an official document) necessary for the analysis is engaged in the study of biomaterial sections.
When interpreting the results, particular attention is paid to the Ki-67 indicator. It is he who provides information on the degree of malignancy of the process. For example, if the result of an indicator after an immunohistochemical study of breast cancer is not more than 15%, it is considered that the prognosis is more than favorable. A level of 30% indicates the activity of the tumor process, i.e. about the fast speed of its development. As a rule, she stops after a course of chemotherapy.
According to some statistics, if Ki-67 is less than 10%, the outcome of the disease will be favorable (in 95% of cases). A mark of 90% and above means an almost 100% death.
In addition to the indicator of malignancy, the conclusion indicates:
- antibodies to which similarity is detected (tropism);
- type of cancer cells, their quantitative value.
It is important to understand that an accurate diagnosis is made after receiving and studying information collected through all the diagnostic procedures performed. Despite the fact that the IHC analysis is considered the most informative method compared to histology, it is sometimes necessary to use both methods. The decoding of the immunohistochemical study is carried out exclusively by the oncologist.
Finally
In modern medicine, special attention is paid to the diagnosis of cancer. The most modern and informative method is considered an immunohistochemical study. With its help, not only the presence of cancer cells is detected , but also their type and rate of development of the malignant process are determined. In addition, on the basis of the results, the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment is evaluated.