Immunohistochemistry: Roots and review

Abstract

As a well-established discipline, immunohistochemistry has evolved by applying concepts in immunology, hematology, and microbiology to histologic techniques. During the past 30 years, immunohistochemistry has progressed from a novel idea in research to a widely accepted adjunct to the routine histologic work-up of tissues and cytologic preparations. Immunohistochemistry is useful in assessing prognosis, monitoring organ transplants, determining the stage of tumors, establishing the phenotype of lymphomas, and providing clues to a patient's probable response to therapy. The technique also has widespread application in pharmaceutical and cancer research.