Immunohistochemistry of Pulmonary Biomarkers: A Perspective From Members of the Pulmonary Pathology Society

Thunnissen E, Allen TC, Adam J, Aisner DL, Beasley MB, Borczuk AC, Cagle PT, Capelozzi VL, Cooper W, Hariri LP, Kern I, Lantuejoul S, Miller R, Mino-Kenudson M, Radonic T, Raparia K, Rekhtman N, Roy-Chowdhuri S, Russell P, Schneider F, Sholl LM, Tsao MS, Vivero M, Yatabe Y.

Abstract

The use of immunohistochemistry for the determination of pulmonary carcinoma biomarkers is a well-established and powerful technique. Immunohistochemisty is readily available in pathology laboratories, is relatively easy to perform and assess, can provide clinically meaningful results very quickly, and is relatively inexpensive. Pulmonary predictive biomarkers provide results essential for timely and accurate therapeutic decision making; for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, predictive immunohistochemistry includes ALK, (ROS1, EGFR in Europe), and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) testing. Handling along proper methodologic lines is needed to ensure patients receive the most accurate and representative test outcomes.