Functional immunocytopathology and the diagnosis of bone marrow micrometastases

Immunocytochemical methods offer a new dimension for cytopathology in the diagnosis, prognosis and biology of neoplastic diseases. This concept is illustrated with particular respect to the immunodetection of bone marrow micrometastases and the role of cytologically demonstrable functional parameters in prognosis and therapy planning. A future role for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in this diagnostic sphere is proposed.