Immunohistochemical detection of progesterone receptor in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissue using a monoclonal antibody.

Author(s): Scharl A, Vierbuchen M, Conradt B, Moll W, Würz H, Bolte A

Publication: Arch Gynecol Obstet, 1990, Vol. 247, Page 63-71

PubMed ID: 2350195 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to determine if the degree and intensity of PR immunostaining are similar among snap frozen specimens and those fixed in 5% formalin and paraffin-embedded, and to assess the effects of the duration of fixation, and storage of paraffin blocks and slide-mounted tissue sections on PR immunoreactivity in tumor specimens.

   Summary of Findings:

   The percentage of PR immunopositive cells and staining intensity (immunoreactive score) were modestly correlated among snap-frozen and routinely fixed and processed FFPE specimens (r=0.74), although details of fixation were not specified. A similar degree of concordance was observed among immunohistochemistry in FFPE specimens and receptor binding analysis of snap frozen specimens for PR-positive and/or negative discriminations. While data were not shown, the authors concluded that fixation in 5% formalin for 48 h or longer adversely impacted the intensity of PR immunostaining in specimens, and that storage of paraffin tissue blocks for up to 5 years did not impact PR immunostaining while a decrease in the percentage of PR immunopositive cells was observed in FFPE slide-mounted tissue sections stored at room temperature for 3 weeks or longer.

   Biospecimens

   • Tissue - Breast

   Preservative Types

   • Formalin
   • Frozen

   Diagnoses:

   • Neoplastic - Carcinoma

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Protein	Immunohistochemistry
   Protein	Receptor binding

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Preservation	Type of fixation/preservation	Formalin (buffered) Snap frozen
   Biospecimen Preservation	Time in fixative	12 h 24 h 48 h
   Storage	Storage duration	1-12 weeks (Slide-mounted tissue sections) Up to 5 y (Paraffin blocks)

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