Name of the Procedure:

Morphometric Analysis, Tumor Immunohistochemistry (e.g., Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor), Quantitative or Semiquantitative, Per Specimen, Each Single Antibody Stain Procedure Using Computer-Assisted Technology

Summary

Morphometric analysis in tumor immunohistochemistry is a procedure that uses computer-assisted technology to quantify the expression of specific proteins, such as Her-2/neu or estrogen/progesterone receptors, within cancer tissue samples. This analysis helps determine the presence and concentration of these markers, which can influence the course of treatment.

Purpose

The procedure addresses the need to accurately measure protein markers in cancer tissues. The goal is to provide precise information on the expression levels of these markers, critical for diagnosing, prognosticating, and determining the most effective treatment plans for cancer patients, particularly in breast cancer.

Indications

• Diagnosing various cancers, including breast cancer.
• Assessing the presence and quantity of Her-2/neu, estrogen receptors (ER), and progesterone receptors (PR).
• Evaluating the prognosis and likely response to targeted therapies.
• Patients with newly diagnosed or recurring cancer.

Preparation

• Typically, no special preparation is needed from the patient.
• A tissue biopsy is required.
• The biopsy sample should be appropriately handled and preserved for analysis.

Procedure Description

1. A tissue sample is obtained from a biopsy.
2. The sample is processed and sectioned into thin slices.
3. Each slice is stained with a specific antibody that binds to the target protein (e.g., Her-2/neu, ER, PR).
4. The stained samples are analyzed using computer-assisted technology to quantify the level of protein expression accurately.
5. Results are reviewed and interpreted by a pathologist.

Duration

The entire process typically takes several hours to a few days, depending on the sample’s complexity and the lab’s workload.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a pathology laboratory equipped with specialized staining and computer imaging equipment.

Personnel

• Pathologists
• Laboratory Technicians
• Histotechnologists

Risks and Complications

• No direct risks to the patient, as it involves tissue already obtained via biopsy.
• Misinterpretation or technical errors in staining and analysis (rare).

Benefits

• Accurate measurement of critical protein markers.
• Informed decision-making for targeted cancer therapies.
• Improved prognosis assessment and personalized treatment plans.

Recovery

• No recovery required from the analysis itself.
• Post-biopsy care depends on the biopsy procedure.

Alternatives

• Manual immunohistochemistry analysis without computer assistance.
  • Less precise and more subject to human error.
• Different molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, in situ hybridization).
  • May provide complementary information but involve different methodologies and capabilities.

Patient Experience

Since this procedure uses a previously obtained tissue sample, the patient won’t experience any discomfort or pain from the analysis itself. There is no direct involvement of the patient in this laboratory procedure.