Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Practice Guideline
. 2012 Apr;137(4):595-605.
doi: 10.1309/AJCPATBZ2JFN1QQC.

HER2 gene amplification in breast cancer: a rogues' gallery of challenging diagnostic cases: UKNEQAS interpretation guidelines and research recommendations

Affiliations
Practice Guideline

HER2 gene amplification in breast cancer: a rogues' gallery of challenging diagnostic cases: UKNEQAS interpretation guidelines and research recommendations

Jane Starczynski et al. Am J Clin Pathol. 2012 Apr.

Abstract

International and national guidelines highlight the importance of accuracy, reproducibility, and quality control of in situ hybridization (ISH) methods for testing breast carcinomas. However, few guidelines cover the reporting of ISH cases with "unusual" signal patterns, including, eg, heterogeneity and loss of chromosome enumeration probe or gene signals. These cases are, in fact, relatively frequent, and there is a need for developing evidence- or consensus-based reporting guidelines to ensure consistency of treatment. Following an audit of cases from a single center (including >1,700 cases) we show that approximately 10% of ISH results reflect unusual signal patterns. We illustrate the most common of these patterns and provide reporting guidelines for diagnosticians and recommendations for future research. Our goal is to ensure that in the future such "rogues" are reported in a consistent manner that, ultimately, will be supported by molecular and biochemical evidence.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

Cited by

Publication types

Substances