Services & Fees

Pathology Review and Quality Control

All tissue specimens are reviewed by reference pathologists. Quality Control includes histological and cytological examination of the tissues to confirm the presence of tumor cells, as well as their abundance (tumor cellularity). We accept FFPE blocks and slides as well as frozen blocks and slides. If none are provided, an H&E slide will be stained for pathology assessment. All histology stained samples and corresponding H&E will be digitally scanned, and digital images will be available at our database for download and review.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Slide Scanning and Tissue Analysis

Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), we quantitatively assess marker expression in histological sections obtained from FFPE or frozen samples. Antibodies used for staining cellular biomarkers are optimized for IHC staining by examination of positive and negative controls. Staining of tumor tissues (human and murine) for selected markers may be conducted at pre-determined time points (baseline, during treatment and progression/recurrence) of the study. IHC tissue staining is performed with a Leica Bond RXm autostainer. All pathology slides are scanned Aperio AT Turbo into digital images and analyzed using image analysis software. IHC analysis is performed with Aperio Image Scope™ (Leica Biosystems), both automatically using algorithms, or manually for marker patterns not compatible with automated algorithms. Digital images will be deposited in a central database accessible upon project initiation. Data analysis is delivered in Excel format directly to the investigators, either via email or Box. A follow up meeting to interpret and discuss the results is available upon request.