ABSTRACT
Background: Accurate determination of HER2 status in breast cancer is crucial for guiding therapeutic decisions. Whole-slide imaging (WSI) has emerged as a promising tool for digital pathology, potentially revolutionizing diagnostic workflows. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and comparability of immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for HER2 scoring between WSI and conventional glass slides.
Aim: The primary aim was to assess the concordance and agreement between HER2 scoring results obtained from WSI and conventional glass slides. Secondary objectives included evaluating potential discrepancies and technical challenges associated with WSI-based analysis.
Methods: A retrospective cohort of breast cancer cases with available HER2 IHC staining was selected for analysis. HER2 scoring was independently performed by experienced pathologists using both WSI and conventional glass slides. Concordance rates, inter-observer agreement, and technical issues encountered during WSI analysis were documented.
Results: A total of 100 breast cancer cases were included in the study. The overall concordance rate between HER2 scoring results obtained from WSI and conventional glass slides was 58%. Technical challenges such as image quality variations and digital artifacts were encountered in 38% of cases analyzed using WSI.
Conclusion: Immunohistochemical staining evaluated through whole-slide imaging demonstrated a high level of concordance with results obtained from conventional glass slides for HER2 scoring in breast cancer. Despite encountering some technical challenges, the overall reliability and feasibility of WSI for HER2 assessment were promising. WSI holds great potential for enhancing efficiency and standardization in diagnostic pathology practices.
Keywords: Breast cancer, HER2, Immunohistochemistry, Whole-slide imaging, Digital pathology, Concordance, Inter-observer agreement.