Why molecular pathology matters
Precision oncology relies on identifying actionable alterations that predict response to targeted therapy or immunotherapy. The histopathology lab is the gatekeeper: it supplies and qualifies the tissue every molecular assay depends on.
Sample adequacy is everything
- Sufficient tumour cellularity within the selected area.
- Proper fixation in neutral buffered formalin; avoid prolonged or acidic fixatives that fragment nucleic acids.
- Minimised cold ischaemia time to preserve labile RNA and phospho-epitopes.
The pre-analytical thread
The same disciplines that produce a good H&E slide — prompt fixation, controlled processing — also protect DNA and RNA for downstream molecular work. A beautifully cut section from poorly fixed tissue can still fail a molecular assay.
Practical takeaway
Treat every specimen as a potential molecular sample: standardise fixation and processing so that, if targeted testing is later needed, the tissue is fit for purpose.