Small but powerful: the promising role of small specimens for biomarker testing

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Emphasis on the use of small specimens for biomarker testing to provide prognostic and predictive information for guiding clinical management for patients with advanced-stage cancer has been increasing. These biomarker tests include molecular analysis, cytogenetic tests, and immunohistochemical assays. Owing to the limited nature of the cellular material procured in these small specimens, which are collected using minimally invasive techniques (ie, fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy), pathologists have been required to triage these samples judiciously and provide the clinically relevant genomic information required for patient care. Awareness of the advantages and limitations of these specimen preparations and the specific preanalytic requirements for the testing methods will help pathologists to develop optimal strategies to maximize the chances of effectively using these samples for comprehensive diagnostic and relevant biomarker testing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)450-460
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of the American Society of Cytopathology
Volume9
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2020

Keywords

  • Biomarker
  • Biopsy
  • Core needle
  • Cytology
  • Fine needle
  • Molecular
  • Small specimen

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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