Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Also known as: IHC, immunostaining
A laboratory test that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins in tumour tissue.
Definition
Immunohistochemistry, or IHC, is a laboratory technique in which specially-designed antibodies are applied to a slice of tumour tissue. The antibodies stick to specific proteins and produce a coloured stain visible under the microscope. The pathologist uses these stains to confirm the cancer type and to test for biomarkers that guide treatment.
In breast cancer, for example, IHC is used to measure oestrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2; in lymphomas IHC helps distinguish between subtypes; in cancers of unknown primary, an IHC panel can often point to the organ of origin. Results are usually available within a few days of the biopsy.
See also
- Biopsy — A small sample of tissue taken from the body and examined under a microscope.
- Histology — The microscopic study of tissue to identify cancer type and features.
- HER2 — A growth protein over-expressed in some breast and stomach cancers, which can be targeted with specific drugs.
- Genetic Testing — Tests that examine genes to find inherited risk or to guide cancer treatment.
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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
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