Lymphoma immunophenotyping: A new era in paraffin-section immunohistochemistry

Recent advances in immunohistochemistry have made it possible to investigat e lymphomas for the expression of a wide range of antigens in fixed tissues . Epitope retrieval, sensitive detection methods, and the availability of n ew monoclonal antibodies have all contributed to one's ability to perform d etailed immunophenotyping that previously could only be done in cryostat se ctions or by flow cytometry. Current lymphoma classifications make use of c haracteristic immunophenotypic profiles that aid in the reproducible diagno sis and subcassification of these neoplasms. The following is a review of t he current state of immunophenotyping for lymphoid neoplasms in fixed tissu es.