Monoclonal Antibodies in Breast Tumor Pathology.

Several reviews have recently appeared on the use of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in breast cancer research and diagnosis (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). In particular the chapter written by Sloane (4) places immunohistochemistry of breast and breast tumors in the context of pathology and also underlines the continuing value of more conventional staining techniques. We will discuss the MAbs from a pathological/histological point of view, in respect to practical problems in diagnosis and as tools for fundamental research of structure and biology of the human mammary gland. Some but not all problems of unwanted cross-reactions have been solved since the introduction of monoclonal antibodies. Our preoccupation with routine diagnosis leads to an emphasis on the antibodies that detect antigens in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues.