Molecular and Immunologic Pathology for the Endoscopist: Special Techniques

Abstract

Special techniques for the endoscopic biopsy include both immunologic (IHC) and molecular approaches (ISH, PCR). Both approaches have been adapted to foster additional diagnostic power with little or no additional work by the endoscopist. The techniques take advantage of tissue-specific antigens, unique markers in infectious diseases, and unique nucleic acid sequences present in some malignancies. From these advantages, benign conditions may be more easily distinguished from malignant ones, the causes of some infectious diseases can be confirmed, and clinically relevant classification of malignancies can be made. Some special techniques have added difficulties, such as fastidious requirements for some IHC or Southern blotting. At UCLA, approaches with the least technical challenges are those in practice for endoscopic biopsy. Lastly, the information gleaned from special techniques requires endoscopic and histopathologic context for accurate interpretation.