Discordance Between Immunohistochemistry and In Situ Hybridization to Detect HER2 Overexpression/Gene Amplification in Breast Cancer in the Modern Age: A Single Institution Experience and Pooled Literature Review Study.

BACKGROUND: Human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) amplification and/or overexpression occurs in 12% to 25% of breast cancers. Accurate detection of HER2 is critical in predicting response to HER2-targeted therapy. Both immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) are FDA-approved methods for detecting HER2 status because its protein overexpression is largely attributable to gene amplification. However, variable discordant results between IHC and ISH have been reported. METHODS: We determined the frequency of HER2 IHC/ISH discordance in these patients and also performed a pooled literature review analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1125 consecutive primary or metastatic breast cancers with HER2 IHC and ISH performed simultaneously between 2015 and 2020, 84.6% had an unequivocal HER2 status. Discordance was found in 30 cases from 26 patients, including 13 IHC-/ISH+ and 17 IHC+/ISH-, representing 1.6% and 11.9% of IHC- and IHC+ cases, respectively. Review of the literature between 2001 and 2020 identified 46 relevant studies, with a total of 43,468 cases with IHC and ISH performed. The IHC-/ISH+ and IHC+/ISH- discordances were seen in all antibody clones and ISH methods used. The IHC+/ISH- discordance was significantly higher than IHC-/ISH+ (13.8% vs. 3%, P < .0001). The overall discordance constituted 4% of all cases and 5.4% of those with an unequivocal IHC status. Significantly lower incongruities for both IHC-/ISH+ and IHC+/ISH- were found in those published after 2018. The discordances probably reflect altered biology of HER2 oncogene/oncoprotein. Routinely performing both IHC and ISH may uncover such cases to prevent denial of potentially beneficial targeted therapy.

HER2 in situ hybridization test in breast cancer: quantifying margins of error and genetic heterogeneity.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of counting increasing number of invasive cancer cells in the result of the HER2 in situ hybridization (ISH) test in breast cancer as well as to compare two different approaches of measuring genomic heterogeneity (single cell and population based). A cohort of 100 consecutive breast cancer cases (primary and metastatic) were evaluated for HER2 gene amplification with bright-field ISH. The evaluation of the samples included scoring 20 nuclei, in five different areas, measuring the margins of error for each case. Genomic heterogeneity (GH) was defined by the 2018 ASCO/CAP guideline as a discrete population of tumor cells with HER2 amplification. We also evaluated GH as single tumor cells with HER2 amplification. The stabilization of the coefficient of variation of HER2/CEP17 ratio requires about 60 invasive cancer cells. The average margin of error of HER2/CEP17 ratio and of HER2 copy number was 0.40 and 0.53, respectively, when counting 20 cells, decreasing to 0.20 and 0.26 when counting 100 cells. Population GH was observed in 1% of the cases, while single cell GH was observed in 27% of the cases, reaching its maximum value in cases near the thresholds of positivity. Therefore, margins of error in HER2 ISH test are high, and the minimal cell number recommended in current guidelines should be raised to at least 60 cells. Population GH is a rare event and single cell GH is maximal in cases near the thresholds.

Biomarker testing in oncology - Requirements for organizing external quality assessment programs to improve the performance of laboratory testing: revision of an expert opinion paper on behalf of IQNPath ABSL.

In personalized medicine, predictive biomarker testing is the basis for an appropriate choice of therapy for patients with cancer. An important tool for laboratories to ensure accurate results is participation in external quality assurance (EQA) programs. Several providers offer predictive EQA programs for different cancer types, test methods, and sample types. In 2013, a guideline was published on the requirements for organizing high-quality EQA programs in molecular pathology. Now, after six years, steps were taken to further harmonize these EQA programs as an initiative by IQNPath ABSL, an umbrella organization founded by various EQA providers. This revision is based on current knowledge, adds recommendations for programs developed for predictive biomarkers by in situ methodologies (immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization), and emphasized transparency and an evidence-based approach. In addition, this updated version also has the aim to give an overview of current practices from various EQA providers.

[Quality assurance in diagnostic in situ hybridization-experience of QuIP]. / Qualitätssicherung in der diagnostischen In-situ-Hybridisierung ­ Erfahrungen der QuIP.

The Quality Assurance Initiative Pathology (QuIP) gives pathologists the opportunity to check the methodological processes of immunohistological and molecular diagnostics in a result-oriented manner and obtain a certificate reflecting the quality. For in situ hybridization (ISH), 5 round robin tests were organized in 2019, two recurrent (HER2-ISH gastric carcinomas and HER2-ISH breast carcinomas) and three prototypical (ROS1-NSCLC, ALK1-NSCLC, NTRK). The different round robin tests, which were provided by QuIP, are based on the development in diagnostics and the importance of the therapeutic relevance of the molecules which are tested. The results of the round robin tests in 2019 showed a sensitivity of at least 94.4%, a specificity of at least 96.6%, and a success rate of 85-99%. This reflected the high standard of quality of the round robin test and the participating institutes.

The updated 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guideline on human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 interpretation in breast cancer: comparison with previous guidelines and clinical significance of the proposed in situ hybridization groups.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the updated 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/College of American Pathologists (CAP) guideline on human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) interpretation in breast cancer compared with that of the previous guidelines and also the significance of in situ hybridization (ISH) groups proposed by the updated guideline. HER2 ISH reports and immunohistochemistry (IHC) data from 1,348 invasive breast cancers diagnosed at a single institution were included in this study. HER2 IHC was reassessed using the 2018 guideline, and HER2 ISH status was determined by the 2007, 2013, and 2018 guidelines. When applying the updated guideline, most of the HER2 ISH-equivocal cases as per the previous guidelines were reclassified as ISH negative, and 0.8% of HER2 ISH-positive tumors as per the 2007 guideline and 2.5% of those as per the 2013 guideline were changed to ISH negative. Accordingly, the negative HER2 ISH results significantly increased in the 2018 guideline compared with the 2013 guideline. HER2 ISH-positive tumors in ISH group 3 (HER2/chromosome enumeration probe 17 [CEP17] ratio <2.0 and average HER2 copy number ≥6.0 per cell) were characterized by equivocal HER2 protein expression, CEP17 copy number gain, and low HER2 copy numbers compared with classic HER2 ISH-positive tumors in ISH group 1 (HER2/CEP17 ratio ≥2.0 and average HER2 copy number ≥4.0 per cell). HER2 ISH-negative tumors in ISH group 4 (HER2/CEP17 ratio <2.0 with average HER2 copy number ≥4.0 and < 6.0 per cell) revealed more aggressive clinicopathologic features and poorer clinical outcomes than those in ISH group 5 (HER2/CEP17 ratio <2.0 and average HER2 copy number <4.0 per cell), especially in the hormone receptor-positive subgroup. In conclusion, implementation of the updated 2018 ASCO/CAP guideline leads to a significant increase in HER2 ISH-negative results compared with the 2013 guideline, mainly via reclassification of the ISH-equivocal cases to ISH-negative ones. ISH groups proposed by the updated guideline provide additional information on the clinicopathologic characteristics of the tumors.

EGFR T790M detection in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of patients with lung cancer using RNA-based in situ hybridization: A preliminary feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Following drug resistance in patients with lung cancer treated by EGFR TKIs, a biopsy is required to obtain sufficient cancer tissue for T790M detection in order to select potential beneficiaries suitable for third-generation EGFR TKIs, such as osimertinib. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of using a new in situ analysis technique based on RNA target sequences to detect EGFR T790M in lung cancer. METHODS: A total of 28 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples from 24 lung adenocarcinoma patients archived in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2015 to 2016 were collected. The BaseScope T790M detection technique by in situ hybridization on FFPE slides was used to analyze the mutation of EGFR T790M, and then the results were compared with the data acquired by Scorpions ARMS assay, which is the so-called gold standard for EGFR gene mutation testing. The sensitivity and specificity of the BaseScope T790M detection technique were preliminarily evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 28 FFPE specimens, the average proportion of T790M-positive cells was 35.78% ± 17.68% in 18 samples with EGFR T790M, confirmed by Scorpions ARMS assay, Compared with real-time PCR assay, the sensitivity and specificity of BaseScope T790M were all 100% in our cohort. CONCLUSION: BaseScope T790M assay could be completed on only one FFPE slide and the visualized molecular result overplayed with histomorphological information perfectly, so it may be the alternative method for EGFR T790M evaluation. BaseScope assay has potential clinical utility, and it will be necessary to carry out validation with a large number of cases.

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Testing in Breast Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists Clinical Practice Guideline Focused Update.

PURPOSE.­: To update key recommendations of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/College of American Pathologists (CAP) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing in breast cancer guideline. METHODS.­: Based on the signals approach, an Expert Panel reviewed published literature and research survey results on the observed frequency of less common in situ hybridization (ISH) patterns to update the recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS.­: Two recommendations addressed via correspondence in 2015 are included. First, immunohistochemistry (IHC) 2+ is defined as invasive breast cancer with weak to moderate complete membrane staining observed in >10% of tumor cells. Second, if the initial HER2 test result in a core needle biopsy specimen of a primary breast cancer is negative, a new HER2 test may (not "must") be ordered on the excision specimen based on specific clinical criteria. The HER2 testing algorithm for breast cancer is updated to address the recommended workup for less common clinical scenarios (approximately 5% of cases) observed when using a dual-probe ISH assay. These scenarios are described as ISH group 2 ( HER2/chromosome enumeration probe 17 [CEP17] ratio ≥2.0; average HER2 copy number <4.0 signals per cell), ISH group 3 ( HER2/CEP17 ratio <2.0; average HER2 copy number ≥6.0 signals per cell), and ISH group 4 ( HER2/CEP17 ratio <2.0; average HER2 copy number ≥4.0 and <6.0 signals per cell). The diagnostic approach includes more rigorous interpretation criteria for ISH and requires concomitant IHC review for dual-probe ISH groups 2 to 4 to arrive at the most accurate HER2 status designation (positive or negative) based on combined interpretation of the ISH and IHC assays. The Expert Panel recommends that laboratories using single-probe ISH assays include concomitant IHC review as part of the interpretation of all single-probe ISH assay results.

Comparative Performance of Breast Cancer Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization and Brightfield In Situ Hybridization on College of American Pathologists Proficiency Tests.

CONTEXT.­: Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and brightfield in situ hybridization (ISH) are 2 clinically approved laboratory methods for detecting ERBB2 (HER2) amplification in breast cancer. OBJECTIVE.­: To compare the performance of FISH and brightfield ISH on proficiency testing administered by the College of American Pathologists Laboratory Accreditation Program. DESIGN.­: Retrospective review was performed on 70 tissue core samples in 7 separate proficiency testing surveys conducted between 2009 and 2013. RESULTS.­: The samples included 13 consensus-amplified tissue cores, 53 consensus-nonamplified cores, and 4 cores that did not reach consensus for FISH and/or brightfield ISH. There were 2552 individual responses for FISH and 1871 individual responses for brightfield ISH. Consensus response rates were comparable for FISH (2474 of 2524; 98.0%) and brightfield ISH (2135 of 2189; 97.5%). The FISH analysis yielded an average HER2 copy number per cell that was significantly higher (by 2.86; P = .02) compared with brightfield ISH for amplified cores. For nonamplified cores, FISH yielded slightly, but not significantly, higher (by 0.17; P = .10) HER2 copy numbers per cell. There was no significant difference in the average HER2 to control ratio for either consensus-amplified or consensus-nonamplified cores. Participants reported "unable to analyze" more frequently for brightfield ISH (244 of 2453; 9.9%) than they did for FISH (160 of 2684; 6.0%). CONCLUSIONS.­: Our study indicates a high concordance rate in proficiency testing surveys, with some significant differences noted in the technical performance of these assays. In borderline cases, updated American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists cutoff thresholds that place greater emphasis on HER2 copy number per cell could accentuate those differences between FISH and brightfield ISH.

Clinical relevance and concordance of HER2 status in local and central testing-an analysis of 1581 HER2-positive breast carcinomas over 12 years.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a central predictive biomarker in breast cancer. Inaccurate HER2 results in different laboratories could be as high as 20%. However, this statement is based on data generated more than 13 years ago and may not reflect the standards of modern diagnostic pathology. We compared central and local HER2 testing in a total of 1581 HER2-positive tumors from five clinical trials. We evaluated the clinical relevance for pathological complete response (pCR) and disease-free survival in a subgroup of 677 tumors, which received an anti-HER2 therapy. Over the period of 12 years, the discordance rate for HER2 decreased from 52.4 (GeparTrio) to 8.4% (GeparSepto). Discordance rates were significantly higher in hormone receptor (HR)-positive tumors (26.6%), compared to HR-negative tumors (16.3%, P<0.0001), which could be explained by a different distribution of HER2 mRNA levels in HR-positive and HR-negative tumors. pCR rates were significantly lower in discordant tumors (13.7%) compared to concordant tumors (32.2%, GeparQuattro and GeparQuinto, P<0.001). In survival analysis, tumors with discordant HER2 testing had a reduced overall survival (OS) in the HR-negative group (P=0.019) and a trend for improved OS in the HR-positive group (P=0.125). The performance of local HER2 testing was considerably improved over time and has reached a 92% concordance, which shows that quality initiatives in diagnostic pathology are working. Tumors with discordant HER2 testing had a reduced therapy response and different survival rates.

Comparison of HER2 status determination methods in HER2 (2+) patients: Manual fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) vs. dual silver enhanced in situ hybridization (SISH).

HER2 amplification has been demonstrated in 15-25% of invasive breast carcinomas and can be assessed using immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization methods. Here, we compared the accuracy of dual SISH to manual FISH in HER2 (2+) breast carcinoma and evaluated the feasibility of dual SISH method in routine practice. Sixty HER2 (2+) consecutive tumor samples diagnosed between January 2009 and February 2013 were selected. Demographic, histological and immunohistochemical features and FISH results were recruited from patient records and compared to dual SISH results. Nine (15%) of the 60 tumor samples were excluded from statistical analysis due to lack of interpretable SISH signals. HER2 staining percentages by immunohistochemistry differed between 20 and 80%. HER2 amplification was shown in 7 (13.7%) and 8 (15.7%) patients by FISH and SISH, respectively. Very good agreement was observed between FISH and SISH methods (kappa value: 0.92). Significant correlation was found between HER2 staining percentage and FISH positivity, in contrast to SISH positivity (p=0.012 vs. p=0.069). Our results are consistent with previously reported literature, indicating SISH can be used to determine HER2 status. However, preanalytical and analytical problems may cause inadequate or uncountable signals, making interpretation impossible for the pathologist and highlighting the importance of standardization and quality control programs.

RNA chromogenic in situ hybridization assay with clinical automated platform is a sensitive method in detecting high-risk human papillomavirus in squamous cell carcinoma.

Detection of active human papillomavirus (HPV) is clinically important because its presence has been shown to correlate with favorable clinical outcomes and better response to treatment in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. Using a clinical automated platform, we compared the performance of commercially available HPV DNA and RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) probes in archival tissues of 57 squamous cell carcinomas. Importantly, a clinical automated platform gives (1) consistent and reproducible results for HPV ISH and (2) better standardization across clinical laboratories. Compared with polymerase chain reaction results, RNA ISH exhibited 93% concordance versus 81% of DNA ISH. RNA ISH was more sensitive than DNA ISH (100% versus 88%) and more specific (87% versus 74%). When only accounting for 2+-3+ positivity, sensitivity was 92% for RNA ISH versus 73% for DNA ISH, highlighting the ease of interpretation. p16 exhibited 96% sensitivity, whereas specificity was only 55%. In 3 cases, both RNA and DNA ISH were positive, whereas polymerase chain reaction results were negative, suggesting that ISH methods might be a more sensitive method. Performing on a clinical automated platform, RNA ISH is sensitive in determining high-risk HPV status in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues and has the potential of being a standalone clinical test.

Digital Image Analysis of HER2 Immunostained Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinomas.

Manual assessment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GGEJ) adenocarcinomas is prone to interobserver variability and hampered by tumor heterogeneity and different scoring criteria. Equivocal cases are frequent, requiring additional in situ hybridization analysis. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of digital image analysis for the assessment of HER2 protein expression. In total, 110 GGEJ adenocarcinomas were included in tissue microarrays with 3 tissue cores per case. Two immunoassays, PATHWAY and HercepTest, and fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis were performed. The Visiopharm HER2-CONNECT Analysis Protocol Package was applied through the ONCOtopix digital image analysis software platform. HER2 membrane connectivity, calculated by the Analysis Protocol Package, was converted to standard IHC scores applying predetermined cutoff values for breast carcinoma as well as novel cutoff values. Cases with excessive cytoplasmic staining as well as HER2 amplified IHC negative cases were excluded from analysis. Applying HER2-CONNECT with connectivity cutoff values established for breast carcinoma resulted in 72.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the identification of HER2 positive gene amplified cases. By application of new cutoff values, the sensitivity increased to 100% without decreased specificity. With the new cutoff values, a 36% to 50% reduction of IHC equivocal cases was obtained. In conclusion, HER2-CONNECT with adjusted cutoff values seem to be an effective tool for standardized assessment of HER2 protein expression in GGEJ adenocarcinomas, decreasing the need for in situ hybridization analyzes.

Claudin-2 Expression Levels in Ulcerative Colitis: Development and Validation of an In-Situ Hybridisation Assay for Therapeutic Studies.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the colon and is characterized by epithelial damage and barrier dysfunction. Upregulation of the tight junction protein claudin-2 by cytokines is hypothesized to contribute to the dysregulation of the epithelial barrier. New therapeutic agents which block the action of cytokines are being investigated in patients with ulcerative colitis. In order to understand the potential of these therapies, it is important to have reliable assays that can assess downstream endpoints that reflect drug mechanism of action. The aim of the current study was therefore to establish & validate an assay to reproducibly assess the expression and distribution of claudin-2 in human colon biopsy samples. Initially, the potential to measure claudin-2 protein by immunohistochemistry (IHC) was investigated. To identify suitable reagents to develop an IHC assay, pre-established criteria were used to screen five commercial antibodies by Western blotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry on claudin-2 positive and negative cells and healthy and ulcerative colitis colon tissue. Despite some of these antibodies specifically detecting claudin-2 using some of these techniques, none of the antibodies showed the expected specific staining pattern in formalin fixed human colon samples. As an alternative method to detect claudin-2 expression and distribution in formalin fixed biopsy sections, an in situ hybridization assay was developed. This assay underwent a novel tiered approach of validation to establish that it was fit-for-purpose, and suitable for clinical deployment. In addition, to understand the possible relationship of claudin-2 in the context of disease severity, expression was compared to the Geboes score. Overall, the microscopical Geboes score correlated with the claudin-2 biomarker score for samples that retained crypt morphology; samples with the highest Geboes score were not specifically distinguished, probably due to crypt destruction. In summary, we have applied a strategy for identifying target-specific antibodies in formalin fixed biopsy samples and highlighted that (published) antibodies may not correctly identify the intended antigen in tissues fixed using this method. Furthermore, we have developed and, for the first time, validated an in situ hybridization assay for detection of claudin-2 mRNA, suitable for use as a supportative method in clinical trials. Using our validated assay, we have demonstrated that increased claudin-2 expression correlates with the severity of ulcerative colitis, where crypt destruction is not seen.

Developing ALK Immunohistochemistry and In Situ Hybridization Proficiency Testing for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Canada: Canadian Immunohistochemistry Quality Control Challenges and Successes.

Intrachromosomal rearrangements involving the ALK gene are found in 3% to 5% of non-small cell lung cancers. Crizotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been shown to prolong progression-free survival in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer harboring ALK gene rearrangements. In Canada, ALK immunohistochemistry (IHC) is used as a screening test before confirmation by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Canadian Immunohistochemistry Quality Control (CIQC) provides ALK (Lung Cancer) proficiency testing (PT) for Canadian IHC laboratories. Samples included 32 previously characterized cases (IHC and FISH) either from the Canadian ALK (CALK) project or from CIQC reference laboratories. The same design was used for both runs. A total of 20 laboratories participated in Run 1 and 22 in Run 2. Some laboratories participated in the anticipation of future need and used the PT exercise as a part of test development and validation. Results of the IHC testing were first self-reported using the CIQC TMA Scorer and then evaluated by expert assessment. FISH results were self-reported only. Participants also reported details about IHC and FISH protocols. The κ-values were calculated, for which values >0.80 were used as acceptable results, respectively. The pass rate between the 2 runs and between different primary antibodies were compared. Six of the 22 protocols (27%) in Run 1 and 15 of the 22 (68%) protocols in Run 2 passed the CIQC PT criteria for IHC testing. The increase in the pass rate for Run 2 was significant (P=0.03, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). All reported FISH results were correct. CALK laboratories had significantly higher κ-values than non-CALK laboratories (P=0.002, t test). PT for IHC for rare diseases such as ALK-positive lung cancer is feasible, but challenging. The academic nature of the CIQC program and collaboration on a national level facilitated the development of appropriate PT samples. Participating laboratories made use of the PT exercise either to confirm that their testing was properly calibrated or to improve their protocols, which was confirmed by the achievement of significantly better results in Run 2. They also used CIQC's PT program for new test development and optimization.

Updated UK Recommendations for HER2 assessment in breast cancer.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression is present in approximately 15% of early invasive breast cancers, and is an important predictive and prognostic marker. The substantial benefits achieved with anti-HER2 targeted therapies in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer have emphasised the need for accurate assessment of HER2 status. Current data indicate that HER2 test accuracy improved following previous publication of guidelines and the implementation of an external quality assessment scheme with a decline in false-positive and false-negative rates. This paper provides an update of the guidelines for HER2 testing in the UK. The aim is to further improve the analytical validity and clinical utility of HER2 testing by providing guidelines of test performance parameters, and recommendations on the postanalytical interpretation of test results. HER2 status should be determined in all newly diagnosed and recurrent breast cancers. Testing involves immunohistochemistry with >10% complete strong membrane staining defining a positive status. In situ hybridisation, either fluorescent or bright field chromogenic, is used either upfront or in immunohistochemistry borderline cases to detect the presence of HER2 gene amplification. Situations where repeat HER2 testing is advised are outlined and the impact of genetic heterogeneity is discussed. Strict quality control and external quality assurance of validated assays are essential. Testing laboratories should perform ongoing competency assessment and proficiency tests and ensure the reliability and accuracy of the assay. Pathologists, oncologists and surgeons involved in test interpretation and clinical use should adhere to published guidelines and maintain accurate performance and consistent interpretation of test results.

[Determination of tumor biological parameters in breast cancer: round robin testing for quality assurance]. / Bestimmung tumorbiologischer Parameter beim Mammakarzinom: Ringversuche zur Qualitätssicherung.

Round robin testing for quality assurance in the determination of the breast cancer biomarkers estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) have been carried out in Germany for 13 years. As the first quality assurance trial worldwide tissue microarrays with 20 different breast cancer specimens were used. As a further innovation the challenges were split into a test part representing routine cases and a training part enriched with difficult borderline cases in order to uncover latent weaknesses in the participating laboratories. Certificates are issued based exclusively on the test part. Similar to NordiQC and UKNequas stained slides are assessed externally and the quality of staining and evaluation are considered separately. Since 2010 an additional internet-based trial without assessment of the staining quality is offered for ER and PR. Since the introduction of the round robin trials the numbers of participants (n = 200-250) and the success rates have steadily increased. The breast cancer quality assurance trial ranks first with regard to the number of participants in Germany. It could be demonstrated that regular participation in the round robin test leads to an improvement of staining results of ER, PR and HER2 and hence appears to be mandatory for maintaining quality standards. The use of fully automated immunohistochemical staining procedures has steadily increased and these are now used by approximately 50 % of participants.

[Role of the surgical pathologist for tissue management in oncology]. / Rôle du pathologiste dans la prise en charge des tissus en oncologie.

Currently, the increasing number of ancillary methods to be performed from tumoral tissues in a pathology laboratory determines the necessity to have an optimal strategy for tissue management. The size of tissue samples dedicated for a pathological examination becomes smaller and smaller, as the diagnosis can be made with non or less invasive methods. However, the samples should also allow to provide the prognosis as well as to realise biological molecular testing in order to found a genomic alteration. Thus, it is critical to think about how to share and to pool the different expertises and abilities in a pathology laboratory in order to optimize the achievement of the different ancillary methods. Thus, following the morphological study made in hematoxylin-eosin staining, it is necessary to preempt the number of immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies, which will be potentially done from the tissue samples. Moreover, since the genomic alteration detection in tumours is mainly performed from DNA extracted from tissues, it is necessary to take in account some numerous parameters, in particular the nature and the time of fixation, the percentage of tumour cells, the presence of necrotic area, the percentage of inflammatory cells and the sample size. The strategy for an optimal tissue management in an oncology-pathology laboratory is critical and takes part of the different steps allowing to get an accreditation according the ISO15189 norm.

In situ hybridization for the detection of hepatitis C virus RNA in human liver tissue.

In situ hybridization (ISH) enables visualization of specific nucleic acid in morphologically preserved cells and tissue sections. Detection of the HCV genomes in clinical specimens is useful for differential diagnosis, particularly between recurrent HCV infection and acute cellular rejection in transplant specimens. We optimized an ISH protocol that demonstrated sensitivity and specificity for detecting genomic and replicative form of HCV RNA in tissue biopsies. Digoxigenin (Dig)-labelled sense and anti-sense riboprobes were synthesized using a plasmid containing a fragment of the highly conserved HCV noncoding region as a template. The efficiency of the Dig-labelled riboprobes in detecting genomic and replicative-intermediate HCV RNA was analysed in 30 liver biopsies from patients infected or uninfected with HCV in a blinded study. A Huh7 cell line that stably replicates genome-length HCV RNA was developed to be used as a positive control. Negative control riboprobes were used in parallel to evaluate and control for background staining. The anti-sense probe detected HCV RNA in 20/21 specimens from HCV-infected liver tissues obtained from patients and in 0/9 samples from patients with non-HCV-related liver diseases, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 100%, respectively. HCV genomic RNA was variably distributed in tissue sections and was located primarily in the perinuclear regions in hepatocytes. Detection of HCV RNA by our optimized ISH protocol appears to be a sensitive and specific method when processing clinical specimens. It may also be revealing when exploring the pathophysiology of HCV infection by verifying the presence of viral genetic material within heptocytes and other cellular elements of diseased liver tissue. This methodology might also evaluate the response to antiviral therapies by demonstrating the absence or alteration of genetic material in clinical specimens from successfully treated patients.