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Desmin detection in FNAB samples of rhabdomyosarcoma: an immunocytochemical study
Z Pohar-Marinsek1, I Srebotnik-Kirbis
1Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Insights
Immunocytochemical staining for desmin is reliable for diagnosing rhabdomyosarcoma, especially when performed on fresh samples. Archival material may yield false negatives due to age and slide preparation issues.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosis relies on accurate desmin detection.
- Immunocytochemistry (ICC) is a key diagnostic tool.
- Evaluating ICC on various sample types is crucial for diagnostic consistency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability of desmin ICC staining in rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosis.
- To compare staining quality between fresh and archival biopsy materials.
- To evaluate the efficacy of two desmin antibodies (D33 and DE-R-11) and different slide preparation methods.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemical staining for desmin was performed on 65 fine needle aspiration biopsies using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) method.
- Two antibodies, D33 and DE-R-11, were used and compared.
- Staining quality was assessed on fresh vs. archival slides and smears vs. cytospins.
Main Results:
- Desmin was positive in all 18 cases stained concurrently with diagnosis.
- Seven of 27 archival cases were negative, with older slides (≥20 years) and uneven immunoreactivity being potential causes.
- No significant difference was found between D33 and DE-R-11 antibodies; cytospins offered easier result interpretation than smears.
Conclusions:
- Desmin ICC is a reliable method for diagnosing rhabdomyosarcoma when performed on fresh samples.
- Archival material poses a risk of false-negative results, particularly for older specimens.
- Both D33 and DE-R-11 antibodies are effective for desmin detection in rhabdomyosarcoma.
Abstract:
We performed immunocytochemical (ICC) staining for desmin on 65 fine needle aspiration biopsies from 45 patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method (ABC), and two types of antibodies, D33 and DE-R-11. The material was fixed either in ether-alcohol or in Delaunay's solution. The ABC method was applied to Papanicolaou stained slides, without destaining. We compared the quality of staining on fresh, routinely prepared slides vs archival material and the quality of staining on smears vs cytospins. In 20 cases, D33 and DE-R-II were applied to a pair of slides from the same tumour sample in order to see if there was any difference in their ability to recognize desmin. Desmin was positive in all 18 cases in which ICC staining was performed at the same time diagnoses were given. Among the 27 cases where ICC staining was carried out on archival material, seven were negative. Slides from four of these cases were 20 or more years old and negative reaction could be attributed to heating of slides before coversliping and/or to uneven distribution of desmin immunoreactivity in tumours. The second reason was probably the cause of negative reactions in cases from 1985 and 87. The type of slide preparation had no influence on the quality of staining. However, results were easier to read on cytospins because cells were more evenly distributed. Finally, our results proved that there was no significant difference between D33 and DE-R-11 in their ability to recognize desmin.
