Histopathology Facility

The Histopathology Facility (HF) provides Cancer Center members with technical processing of cells and tissues, gene expression in situ protein immunolocalization, pathology interpretation of microscopy findings, including target distribution and other metrics focused on particular cell/tissue compartments. We help establish and characterize animal models of human cancer and related diseases, as well as analysis of human tissue samples, including from clinical trials. Most projects involve animal models that require complex histological, immunohistochemical and/or cytological processing to determine morphological alterations, and to localize and quantify the expression of cancer-relevant gene products in tissue sections, including murine and human samples.

The major objective of the animal/human research services of the Histopathology and Facility (HF) is to facilitate research conducted by NCI/NIH-funded Cancer Center members by providing them with technical processing of cells and tissues as well as issuing reports of histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) /image analysis findings. Primary activities include:

• Preparation of tissues for histopathological or cytological evaluation, i.e., embedding cells and tissues in paraffin, preparation of tissue sections, and staining. Preparation of frozen sections, histochemistry, IHC, including multi-chromatic IHC, and in situ hybridization. Provision of slide scanning and IHC image analysis as well as Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM).
• Provision of interpretation and consultation on procedures, results and histopathological evaluations. The Facility also provides documentation on techniques and reports results. In addition, we document results using digital photography and work with Cancer Center members to devise custom-made approaches for projects as needed.