Modern methods in histo‐ and cytopathology: a view from Russia

Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, molecular and other modern methods are used in Russia mainly in research and are hardly available for routine histological and cytological diagnostics even in case of direct indications. These methods, requiring meticulous work with pipettes and test‐tubes, have never been primarily developed in Russia; the reagents, equipment and knowhow were imported from abroad. The following can be heard in support of such attitude: essential diagnostic questions can be answered on the basis of sections stained with hematoxylin‐eosin or Romanovsky‐Giemsa smears in most cases; information obtained by means of sophisticated methods is usually irrelevant for praxis or useful only for palliative care prolonging poor‐quality life of the terminally ill: precise classification of malignant neoplasms, primary localization of a metastasizing tumor etc. Obviously for that reason modern methods used in histo‐ and cytopathology are not covered by medical insurance. Last time, in view of the rapidly improving economy, new arguments are voiced: now we can purchase modern equipment and ready‐made kits; and the broadening international cooperation will make foreign knowledge and skills flow massively into our country. It is said, in other words, that modern methods will be brought to Russia on a gold‐rimmed saucer. After that, this abstract will be only of historical interest.