Recently Identified Diagnostic Markers in Effusion Cytology

Area of Science:

• Cytopathology
• Oncology
• Immunohistochemistry

Background:

• Effusion specimens are common in cytopathology.
• Markers for effusion diagnosis need rigorous evaluation.
• This review focuses on immunohistochemistry markers for effusion diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review currently used markers for effusion diagnosis.
• To highlight the role of immunohistochemistry in effusion analysis.
• To discuss markers differentiating mesothelioma from carcinoma and reactive proliferations.

Main Methods:

• Literature search of relevant publications.
• Focus on markers with established diagnostic roles.
• Review of immunohistochemistry and molecular analyses.

Main Results:

• BAP1 and MTAP expression are useful in differentiating mesothelial proliferations, mesothelioma, and metastatic carcinoma.
• Molecular markers (CDK2NA, MTAP, BAP1, NF2) aid in distinguishing mesothelioma from reactive mesothelium.
• Established markers (TAG-72, claudin-4, calretinin, HEG1) differentiate mesothelioma from carcinoma.
• Markers like PAX8, TTF1, and TRPS1 help identify the origin of metastatic adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions:

• Effusion diagnosis is vital for cancer staging and patient prognosis.
• Effusions are valuable for predictive studies and targeted therapy selection.