ABSTRACT
In situ hybridisation has become central to the clinical management of cancer. ISH can be used to detect gene amplification, duplication or deletion, chromosomal aberrations and translocations frequency using interphase nuclei in routinely processed pathological specimens. Both fluorescent and colorimetric ISH assays provide the basis for selecting appropriate treatment or management schedules in cancers as diverse as leukemias, breast and bladder. The technological and technical background to ISH is reviewed, with a focus on methodological aspects critical to the delivery of pharmacodiagnostic assays. Sample preparation methods, assessment and reporting guidelines are reviewed with particular attention to quality assurance and reproducibility in laboratory procedures.
