Immunohistochemistry as a Practical Tool in Molecular Pathology

Abstract

Context.—Molecular genetics is playing an increasingly important role in patient care and pathology practice. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a valuable and practical tool employed by most pathologists on a regular basis. Objective.—To highlight select examples of how IHC may be used in the realm of molecular diagnostics. Data Sources.—Select sources on IHC relating to tumor subtyping, hereditary cancer screening, and treatment-response prediction are reviewed. These represent some of the areas in which IHC can be employed by anatomic pathologists to optimize patient care and further inform molecular testing. Conclusion.—In the emerging era of personalized medicine, IHC continues to serve a valuable function, complementing and enhancing other molecular techniques.