Journal of Clinical & Experimental Pathology
Open Access

Abstract

An important aim in translational pathology is the discovery of novel biomarkers in human tissue samples, especially those with predictive value. A traditional method for biomarker analysis is based on the immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections which is then evaluated with light microscopy by a pathologist, who usually provides a semi quantitative scoring. However, this method is subjective and effort consuming, including also a variability between observers. The current development of digital pathology systems, including faster scanners and more powerful image analysis software, provide an important tool for biomarker evaluation. However, the application of image analysis technologies requires a higher quality and consistency of IHC. Furthermore, in our experience we have learned that the application of digital pathology demands a new role for the pathologist who has now to provide a more rigorous IHC quality control, including the selection of markers for image analysis depending on their expression pattern, and also and type of image analysis technique available for a particular project, in order to provide reliable and useful data with translational meaning.

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