Evaluation of rapid immunohistochemical staining technique in intraoperative frozen section diagnosis of breast tumors

Purpose To evaluate the significance of the rapid immunohistochemical (IHC) staining technique in intraoperative frozen section diagnosis of breast tumors. Methods Eight primary antibodies (including SMA, CK5/6, p63, c-erbB-2, CD34, CD117, ER and PR) were tested using the rapid EliVision plus immunostaining on frozen sections of breast tumors. The results of the modified rapid immunostaining on frozen sections were compared with the results of the routine EliVision IHC method. Results The rapid immunostaining method allowed the detection of the breast tumor antigens on frozen sections in less than 30 min. This rapid procedure produced strong and specific staining that was similar to the routine IHC procedures and was clearly distinguishable from the weak background staining with 7 of 8 primary antibodies applied. c-erbB-2 was positive only in routine EliVision IHC procedures. Conclusion The rapid EliVision plus immunostaining method could represent a useful tool in frozen section diagnosis of breast tumors.