What is the Role of Immunohistochemistry in Morphological Analysis?
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a technique that combines morphology with molecular biology. It involves the use of specific antibodies to detect particular proteins in tissue samples. IHC enhances morphological analysis by providing additional information about the protein expression patterns in cancer cells, helping to confirm diagnoses and determine the cancer subtype. For instance, the presence of HER2 protein in breast cancer can be detected using IHC, guiding treatment decisions.
