Immunocytochemical markers, molecular testing and digital cytopathology for aspiration cytology of metastatic breast carcinoma

Abstract

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a versatile diagnostic procedure uniquely suited for tissue biopsy of breast carcinomas and axillary metastases and/or recurrences. With the expanding treatment options and accompanying theragnostic tests, it is crucial to recognize the developments on ancillary testing and digital cytopathology techniques related to aspiration cytology of metastatic breast carcinoma. In this review, we aim to summarize and update the evidence of immunocytochemistry, for the detection of carcinoma cells (epithelial markers), confirmation of breast primary (breast-specific markers), assessment of surrogate immunostains (hormone receptors, ki-67 proliferative index and HER2) and theragnostic biomarkers, with discussion on potential diagnostic pitfalls, followed by the application of molecular tests, and digital cytopathologic techniques for assessing metastatic breast carcinoma in cytology.