A review of the applications of tissue microarray technology in understanding the molecular features of endometrial carcinoma.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding the use of tissue microarray (TMA) technology in understanding the biology, diagnosis and prognosis of endometrial carcinoma (EC). STUDY DESIGN: This review of TMA technology in EC was based on a large number of published articles. We focused on the use of TMA technology as a tool to gain insight in endometrial carcinogenesis and to validate data obtained from DNA microarrays, proteomics and cellular models. RESULTS: We summarized the technical aspects of the 37 articles that were reviewed. The number of EC cases in each series varied from 32-485 (median, 128). The number of cores ranged from 1-4 (median, 2), and the size of the cores ranged from 0.6-2 mm (median, 0.6 mm). Only 3 studies applied fluorescence in situ hybridization technology, while the remaining 34 studies used immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: TMA can help to establish new prognostic markers and to define protein biomarkers that help in differential diagnosis.