Application of immunohistochemistry in clinical practice: a review

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has radically altered the practice of diagnostic histopathology. It is increasingly being applied for more accurate and precise diagnosis, theranostics and prognostics in the management of tumours. Unfortunately clinicians and pathologists in resource-constrained settings may not be exposed to its clinical utility.

To provide a review of the principles and utility of IHC in diagnosis as relevant to histopathological diagnosis in clinical practice.

A retrospective PubMed search was used to find most recent studies and reviews published on immunohistochemistry. Popular anatomical pathology textbooks and online resources were also searched.

The searches for articles were limited to the MeSH terms "humans" and "English language". Emphasis was placed on recent review and original articles that are dealing directly with respective technical aspects and immunohistochemical stains of interest.

Both authors searched and reviewed related articles separately.

The extracted information was compared so as to include the most updated information available.

Immunihistochemistry has become an essential component of histopathology. Clinicians need to be conversant with developments in IHC in order to liaise appropriately with pathologists for the benefit of their patients. There is a need for urgent establishment of IHC practice within resource-constrained countries in order to meet current diagnostic standards in tumour pathology.