Application of the AMeX method to the evaluation of HER-2 status in breast carcinomas: comparison with the results of HercepTest

Pathol Int. 2003 Jan;53(1):27-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1827.2003.01429.x.

Abstract

The recent development of the recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody against HER-2 oncoprotein requires a simple and accurate method for the evaluation of HER-2 status in patients with breast cancers. We here report that the evaluation of the HER-2 status is improved by the use of the acetone-methanol-xylene (AMeX) method. Compared with an ordinary test of HercepTest, 25 out of 63 cases (39.7%) were scored upwards by the AMeX method. In addition, the HER-2 gene amplification was easily estimated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using the AMeX method. Thus, the AMeX method is likely to provide more improved data about the HER-2 status in breast carcinoma specimens.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / chemistry
  • Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genes, erbB-2 / genetics*
  • Histocytological Preparation Techniques / methods*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic*
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / analysis
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics*
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
  • Receptor, ErbB-2