An antibody assay predictive of BRCA1 mutations in ovarian tumors and normal tissue

To determine whether immunohistochemistry can identify BRCA1 mutations, imm unohistochemical (IH) analysis was undertaken on paraffin sections of paire d ovarian cancer and normal tissue using antibodies against both terminal r egions of the BRCA1 protein. Ten patients at risk for BRCA1 mutations were studied. The results of BRCA1 mutation analysis and IH were compared. In tu mor, IH correctly identified the presence or absence of loss of heterozygos ity in all specimens. In all uninvolved specimens, LH correctly identified the presence or absence of a germline mutation. The sensitivity, specificit y, positive and negative predictive values were 100% suggesting promise as a rapid and inexpensive screen.