Endoscopic biopsies from gastrointestinal carcinomas and their suitability for molecular analysis: a review of the literature and recommendations for clinical practice and research

摘要: Endoscopic biopsies (EBs) are the gold standard for diagnosing gastrointestinal carcinoma yet no guidelines address EB use prognostic and predictive molecular testing. This review summarizes reported quantity quality of EBs, their relationship with test failure rates resultant concordance between resection specimen. Studies reporting testing on EBs published 2002 2014 were identified. Details regarding quantity, quality, tumour content, as well causes specimens reviewed. Seventy-five studies Eighteen (24%) mean number per patient (median: 2.1, range: 1-6.6 EBs). Sixty-one (81%) frequency 0%, 0-100%). Twenty-two (29%) investigated specimen (range: affected neither nor rate. In summary, few currently report or concordance. Reliable in appears achievable, can be representative specimens. Concordance depends upon methodology biomarker heterogeneity within tumour. To improve care, sampling, processing requires standardization needs optimization each individually.