Polymerase chain reaction: uses and potential applications in cytology

Molecular diagnostic cytopathology: definitions, scope and clinical utility

Molecular diagnosis is the application of molecular biology techniques and knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of disease to diagnosis, prognostication and treatment of diseases. Although it is not widely used in routine molecular cytological practice, some examples are presented here of the application of molecular techniques to the routine cytopathological diagnosis of solid tumours and lymphoreticular malignancies. The term 'molecular diagnostic cytopathology' is proposed to define the application of molecular diagnosis to cytopathology, and the challenges of the introduction of molecular diagnosis into routine diagnostic histopathology and cytopathology are discussed. Finally, the importance of a combined morphological, immunophenotypic and molecular approach to maintain the diagnostic pathologist at the heart of the clinical decision-making process is emphasized.

Sequence confirmation of theEWS-WT1 fusion gene transcript in the peritoneal effusion of a patient with desmoplastic small round cell tumor

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare undifferentiated neoplasm. The prognosis is poor, even if therapy is instituted promptly, and thus it is important to differentiate it from other histologically and cytologically similar-looking malignancies of the young adult. We present a case of DSRCT in a 17-yr-old male with disseminated peritoneal disease and peritoneal effusion. The cytology sample showed a malignant small round cell tumor, the classical cytological features of DSRCT, and immunohistochemistry performed in the prepared cell block exhibited an antibody expression profile in keeping with DSRCT. Further material from the effusion was prepared for RNA extraction, following which a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing of the t(11;22)(p13;q11 or q12) were carried out. The result showed the presence of the reciprocal translocation and thus confirmed the diagnosis of DSRCT. This case shows how molecular techniques (including sequencing) can be applied to cytology in clarifying and confirming certain difficult diagnosis of undifferentiated neoplasms, DSRCT in this particular case.

Immunocytochemistry versus molecular fingerprinting of metastases

Examination of cytological samples of cancer to suggest a possible primary site of origin is one of the commonest and most difficult tasks of diagnostic cytopathologists. Currently, both cytomorphology and immunocytochemistry are the main approaches to this diagnostic dilemma. We report the application of microsatellite analysis in cytological samples in a patient with a primary colonic tumour and two subsequent lung nodules, which were suspected on CT scans of the chest, and compared the findings with those obtained with conventional immunocytochemistry. The molecular results were in agreement with the radiological impression and conflicted with the immunocytochemistry. We conclude that immunocytochemical and molecular biology approaches to the diagnosis of tumours may give rise to contradictory results.

Guidelines of the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology for fine-needle aspiration procedure and reporting. The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology Task Force on Standards of Practice

This guideline document was developed by the Standards of Practice Task Force of the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology, based on extensive literature reviews and the personal practical experience of task force members. The draft guidelines were then subjected to expert review. The task force made revisions to the drafts based on the responses received from the consultant members, who are recognized experts in fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Evaluation of a method for cryogenic storage of cytological specimens

A technique for long-term storage of cytological specimens at -70 degrees C was evaluated with a range of nongynaecological cytology specimens. The effects of frozen storage on the cellularity, morphology, ultrastructure, and reactivity to cytochemical and immunochemical stains were investigated. These parameters were compared in preparations made from specimens processed conventionally and after frozen storage. No significant deterioration in the quality of subsequent preparations was apparent after storage. The method is technically simple and has proven successful for storing a range of specimens, including serous effusions, urine samples, and fine-needle aspirates. This technique allows storage of material until initial microscopic evaluation is complete. If required, the relevant adjuvant procedure, such as cell blocking, may then be carried out using the stored material. Wastage of cytological material on unnecessary preparations is minimised, and material may be stored over years for research or confirmation procedures.