Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Integration of Wet and Dry Bench Processes Optimizes Targeted Next-generation Sequencing of Low-quality and Low-quantity Tumor Biopsies
Published on: April 11, 2016
[Pathology background of targeted therapy; quality control in pathology]
Janina Kulka1, Ildikó Szirtes, A Marcell Szász
1Semmelweis Egyetem II. sz. Patológiai Intézet 1091 Budapest Üllői út 93. kj@korb2.sote.hu
Abstract:
The administration of targeted therapy of gastric carcinoma is a very important recent improvement of its treatment and prognosis. The basis of the successful treatment is the excellent quality of pathology, now including HER2 testing: the use of validated methods and strict criteria. This is especially important if we consider that many gastric cancers are diagnosed in small biopsy material, in which HER2 testing is challenging. This requires standardized, validated methods and experienced pathologists. Being of diagnostic and predictive significance, high quality of both the technique and the interpretation of the test is mandatory. In order to achieve general high quality in this field, technical and interpretation external quality control of HER2 testing is necessary. Hungarian pathologists with the help of Roche Hungary Ltd. completed an external quality control round which showed that most of the participating laboratories are able. Kulka J, Szirtes I, Szász AM, Kupcsulik P, Kenessey I, Lotz G, Tímár J. Pathology background of targeted therapy; quality control in pathology.
Insights
High-quality HER2 testing is crucial for effective gastric carcinoma targeted therapy. External quality control ensures reliable results, especially with challenging biopsy samples, improving patient treatment and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Context:
- Targeted therapy has significantly improved gastric carcinoma treatment and prognosis.
- Accurate HER2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2) testing is fundamental for selecting appropriate targeted therapies.
- Gastric cancer diagnosis often involves small biopsy specimens, complicating HER2 testing.
Purpose:
- To emphasize the critical role of high-quality pathology, specifically HER2 testing, in the success of targeted gastric cancer therapy.
- To highlight the challenges and necessity of standardized, validated methods and experienced pathologists for reliable HER2 testing.
- To underscore the importance of external quality control for both the technical and interpretive aspects of HER2 testing.
Summary:
- Excellent pathology, including validated HER2 testing with strict criteria, is essential for successful gastric carcinoma targeted therapy.
- HER2 testing on small biopsy samples presents diagnostic challenges, necessitating standardized methods and skilled pathologists.
- External quality control initiatives are vital for maintaining high standards in HER2 testing and interpretation.
Impact:
- Implementing robust quality control measures for HER2 testing can lead to more accurate diagnoses and effective targeted treatment selection.
- Improved HER2 testing accuracy will enhance patient prognosis and optimize the benefits of targeted therapy for gastric cancer.
- Standardization and quality assurance in pathology are key to advancing precision medicine in oncology.
