Immunohistochemistry is a diagnostic test. It uses antibodies previously marked with a substance that can be seen under the microscope. The antibodies are specific to an antigen that the test is able to detect. These antibodies have high affinity to their antigens so the test has high specificity, not necessarily high sensitivity which depends on other factors.
It is widely used to detect and classify cancer cells Antibodies can be polyclonal or monoclonal. How can this test affect treatment options for a given disease? I will explain this through an example:
Cells, cancer or not, have, different antigens (markers) on their membranes, such as receptors, glycoproteins, etc. This markers define populations of cells like CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes (CD-20 + or -). This markers, when they are unique to a specific type of cell, can help not only to differentiate them, but also to target them with specific antibodies. These antibodies can be used for tests and also as treatments.
I will explain this through an example:
A patient comes to the office with a biopsy of his pleura, and it reports "Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma". The immunoperoxidase shows CD20 (+) (a B cell marker) and Bcl-6 (a marker of its origin from the germinal center).
If this patient didn't have a CD20 (+) report then he wouldn't be eligible for Rituximab therapy and the prognosis would be far more somber.
Rituximab is a genetically engineered chimeric murine/human monoclonal antibody that targets CD20 receptors that are present in certain B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Once it reaches its intended target, it activates other immune cells and the complement system to destroy the b-cell. It is part of the new therapies that are being used in Hemato-oncology.
Before Rituximab, the standard therapy for B-cell lymphoma was CHOP therapy. This therapy had a success rate of 40% to 50%. (3-year event-free rate)
When Rituximab is used in conjunction with CHOP chemotherapy, it has shown a success rate of up to 99% (when used in early stages).
Now you see the difference.
However this new therapies are not exempt of potentially hazardous effects, and this page is not intended as an advertisement of Rituximab, but to show an example of the application of antibodies in different settings (diagnostic and therapeutic.
New Treatments For Cancer
Cellulite is still one of those unfortunate physical detractions that so many people - mostly women - want to deal with and get rid of, and yet can find no solid, proven way to eliminate the appearance permanently. Hence, there are floods of women looking for that magic bullet that just doesn't exist, that will rid them of their cellulite forever.
In fact, there are treatments that can currently dramatically reduce the appearance of the unsightly orange peel look, and that do work on many or most of the women who try them, however, there is not one that does not require follow up treatment for the rest of one's natural life in order for the results to be maintained.
There are always new treatments that are supposed to be the latest, best thing out there, and there are two newer procedures and treatments that we are going to talk about today for cellulite reduction, called Velasmooth and the Triactive laser.
The first one, which goes by the patent name of Velasmooth, works through a similar process of an already widely used cellulite reduction process called endermologie. Like endermologie, Velasmooth uses the power of a vacuuming suction action as well as rollers to help "pound out" the lumps and bumps via force and break up the connective tissue that causes the puckered appearance of your fatty areas.
But that's not the only way this one purports to help smooth out the problem areas. It's biggest draw is that it uses IPL, or pulsed light therapy, which is supposed to help manipulate the fat cells and the connective tissue, forcing an increase in circulation, and the fatty tissues that cause the cellulite to move and be manipulated by the rollers and vacuums, creating a more uniform, toned and lifted look.
The device itself for Velasmooth looks almost like a hand held vacuum, except that it also emits a light from the surface. With this option, the recommendation from the manufacturers is that you get roughly eight to sixteen treatment sessions to start off with as an initial way to break up the tissues and smooth the problem areas.
The treatments themselves last around 45 minutes to one hour, and it is recommended that the spacing be one to two per week until optimum results are achieved, with follow up treatments done about once or twice a month afterwards to maintain the results. And, now the most important part, the cost.
Of course, as with any other professionally administered and monitored aesthetic treatment, you are going to see a higher cost than for any home treatment. The cost of treatments ranges from $150 to $300 per treatment, depending on the area you live in. In other words, this treatment will cost you more if you are going to Beverly Hills to get them done, but may cost less if you live in a suburban Midwestern area like I currently do.
The Triactive laser is a similar device to the Velasmooth, except that it uses actual laser technology to help shrink the fat cells and help increase circulation and manipulate the fatty deposits into other areas to smooth the whole area out and create a more uniform look.
The Triactive laser also uses rollers and vacuum manipulation to shape the body and contour areas such as the buttocks, hips, thighs and tummy that commonly have a lot of cellulite on them.
Apparently, this procedure has been used for years successfully in Italy before it was brought to the US, and women typically see results in anywhere from ten to fifteen sessions, with the cost about equal to the cost of Velasmooth but perhaps a bit less, depending again on the area you live in and the individual prices of who renders your service.
Both Andrew Strauss & Danna Schneider are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Andrew Strauss has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family, Health and Vitamin and Mineral Supplement. Author writes articles on different topics. To know more, visit:,. Andrew Strauss's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.
Danna Schneider has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acne Treatment, Types of Cancer and Aging Problems. Danna Schneider has written several widely published articles on her experiences with beauty products and other cosmetic procedures, and also contributes to. Danna Schneider's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.
Baby Cribs Consumer Reports Once the child reaches this size you need to move the child from the crib to a toddler bed