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HER‐2/NEU gene amplification in breast imprint cytology analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization: Direct comparison with companion tissue sections
Author(s) -
Moore Jeffrey G.,
To Viet,
Patel Shobha J.,
Sneige Nour
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
diagnostic cytopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.417
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1097-0339
pISSN - 8755-1039
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0339(200011)23:5<299::aid-dc2>3.0.co;2-x
Subject(s) - fluorescence in situ hybridization , in situ hybridization , cytology , gene duplication , microbiology and biotechnology , pathology , in situ , gene , medicine , biology , gene expression , chromosome , chemistry , genetics , organic chemistry
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a validated method for detection of HER‐2/ neu gene amplification and was recently approved by the FDA for diagnostic use in paraffin‐embedded tissue. Its use in cytologic specimens, however, has not been investigated. To see whether HER‐2/neu gene amplification is detectable in cytologic specimens, we examined touch imprints and corresponding tissue sections of 27 breast carcinomas (20 invasive and 7 in situ) and 3 atypical epithelial hyperplastic lesions, using the FISH technique with the HER‐2/neu DNA probe kit (Vysis, Inc., Downers Grove, IL). HER‐2/neu gene amplification was determined, using the ratio of HER‐2/neu:CEP 17 signal counts; a ratio of 2.0 or greater was considered amplified. Successful hybridization occurred in 55/60 (92%) slides. In all cases, at least one of the paired slides was adequate for evaluation. Whole‐cell imprint and tissue section slides yielded comparable HER‐2/neu:CEP 17 signal counts and ratios, including one case of low‐level HER‐2/neu gene copy numbers where the ratio was 2.0. Our findings indicate that whole‐cell imprint cytology preparations are a reliable medium for HER‐2/neu gene quantification by FISH, and may substitute for or complement tissue section analysis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2000;23:299–302. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.