Flow cytometry of breast cancer

Flow cytometry (FCM) has become a generally accepted analytical method of worldwide application. Considerably achievements in flow cytometry hardware, staining techniques, especially immunoflow cytometry, together with progress in software programmes have significantly contributed to persistent expansion of the method. Some of the inbuilt rapidity of FCM has been lost because of additional preparatory steps and incubations. Mammary carcinoma is one of those malignant tumours which have been most extensively investigated by FCM. Evidence has been repeatedly produced to the existence of correlations among the most important FCM data, prognostic factors, and follow-up findings. Further improvement of the method and search for the best possible clinical application actually are the main challenges to FCM of breast cancer, today.