stains for ER, PR and HER2 were performed in 5 μm-thick whole tissue
sections, or in cell blocks (CBs) fixed in CytoLyt® or formalin. FDA
approved monoclonal antibodies for ER (Ventana; clone 6F11), PR (Ventana; clone
1E2), and HER2 (Ventana; clone 4B5) were utilized for IHC testing, with positive
and negative controls. The hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and IHC slides
were re-reviewed by 2 pathologists (ME and RDJ); interpretation of ER, PR and
HER2 IHC, and HER2 fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results were done
following the ASCO/CAP guidelines.14 (link),15 (link) ER and PR
discordance between the PBC and the MBC was defined as a switch in the receptor
status from positive to negative, or from negative to positive. HER2 status was
determined following the integrated evaluation of IHC and FISH results. HER2
discordance between the PBC and MBC was defined as a switch from HER2 positive
to negative, or HER2 negative to positive. Cases with HER2 status changes
between the PBC and MBC from positive or negative to equivocal, or vice-versa,
were considered concordant.