Advancing Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment through Immunohistochemistry Innovations

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) serves as a vital technique in clinical diagnostics, enabling the detection of specific proteins within tissue sections. This method employs antibodies to identify antigens unique to abnormal cells, such as those found in cancer. IHC plays a crucial role in diagnosing cancer, predicting treatment outcomes, and validating biomarkers for personalized medicine. This review article covers principles, procedures, advantages, and limitations of IHC, emphasizing the importance of proper specimen handling, fixation, and antigen retrieval to optimize results. Key steps include selecting appropriate antibodies, blocking non-specific binding, and employing effective detection systems. Recent advancements in automated IHC systems improved reproducibility, though manual methods allow for greater flexibility in research settings. Despite strengths, IHC faces challenges such as variability in antibody specificity, potential loss of antigenicity due to improper fixation, and storage. This review highlights the significance of IHC in identifying prognostic markers, confirming infectious agents, and diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders. Ultimately, IHC serves as an indispensable tool for pathologists, enhancing understanding of disease mechanisms, aiding in the development of targeted therapies. Proper training, adherence to best practices remain essential for accurate interpretation of IHC results, ensuring continued relevance in clinical, research applications.