An Update on the Role of Immunohistochemistry in the Evaluation of Pancreatic/Liver/Gastrointestinal Luminal Tract Disorders

Abstract

Context.— Immunohistochemistry serves as an ancillary diagnostic tool for a wide variety of neoplastic and nonneoplastic disorders, including infections, workup of inflammatory conditions, and subtyping neoplasms of the pancreas/liver/gastrointestinal luminal tract. In addition, immunohistochemistry is also used to detect a variety of prognostic and predictive molecular biomarkers for carcinomas of the pancreas, liver, and gastrointestinal luminal tract. Objective.— To highlight an update on the role of immunohistochemistry in the evaluation of pancreatic/liver/gastrointestinal luminal tract disorders. Data Sources.— Literature review and authors’ research data and personal practice experience were used. Conclusions.— Immunohistochemistry is a valuable tool, assisting in the diagnosis of problematic tumors and benign lesions of the pancreas, liver, and gastrointestinal luminal tract, and also in the prediction of prognosis and therapeutic response for carcinomas of the pancreas, liver, and gastrointestinal luminal tract.