MOLECULAR MARKERS IN BREAST CARCINOMAS - PROGNOSTIC AND PRACTICAL RELEVANCE OF MORPHOLOGICAL METHODS

The evaluation of molecular markers in breast carcinomas can be routin ely assessed by (i) histochemistry for ploidy measurement (Feulgen sta in) and for AgNORs counts, and by (ii) immunocytochemistry (Ki67, cath epsin D, pHER2/neu, EGFR, ER, PR, pS2, p53). Immunocytochemical assays are correlated to biochemical assays and are particularly relevant in small tumors in which only small amount of tissue is available. Immun ocytochemical assays provide for data additional to current histologic al methods, useful for prognostic evaluation and for the selection of node negative patients who may benefit from adjuvant therapy. Neverthe less, immunocytochemical assays can be used for clinical purposes only if they are standardized (frozen sections, image analysis).