What is the Role of Immunohistochemistry in Breast Cancer?
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a technique used to detect specific antigens in the cells of a tissue section. In breast cancer, IHC is essential for identifying the presence of hormone receptors such as estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), as well as the HER2/neu protein. These markers are crucial for determining the prognosis and guiding treatment strategies. For instance, ER-positive cancers may respond well to hormone therapy.