[Recommendations for the immunohistochemistry of the hormonal receptors on paraffin sections in breast cancer. Update 1999. Group for Evaluation of Prognostic Factors using Immunohistochemistry in Breast Cancer (GEFPICS-FNCLCC)].

These recommendations address the immunohistochemical evaluation of estrogen and progesterone receptors in paraffin sections of breast cancers. All the components of the procedure are dealt with: indications, sampling, fixation and processing, section adhesion, antigen retrieval, antibodies, controls, analysis and interpretation of immunostaining, report and quality assurance parameters. The purpose of these guidelines is to serve as a basis for standardization of technic and results and to improve quality control.