Preservation of biomolecules in breast cancer tissue by a formalin-free histology system.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The potential problems associated with the use of formalin in histology, such as health hazards, degradation of RNA and cross-linking of proteins are well recognized. We describe the utilization of a formalin-free fixation and processing system for tissue detection of two important biopredictors in breast cancer - estrogen receptor and HER2 - at the RNA and protein levels.

Methods

Parallel sections of 62 cases of breast cancer were fixed in an alcohol-based molecular fixative and in formalin. Molecular fixative samples were processed by a novel formalin-free microwave-assisted processing system that preserves DNA, RNA and proteins. Formalin-fixed samples were processed using the conventional method. Estrogen receptor was assessed by immunohistochemistry and real-t

SUBMITTER: Nassiri M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2267798 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature