Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Fast, objective, automated, and reproducible technique | Not valid for non-CK19 expressing tumours |
Intraoperative analysis | Trained pathologist needed (thorough dissection) |
Analysis of the whole LN | Potential contamination of the sample |
Quantitative analysis: • Cut-off points for macro and micrometastases • TTL: potential predictive and prognostic factor | Not applicable in case of coexisting neoplasms with the same LN drainage |
Ability to a more accurate identification of micrometastases | No tissue left to re-analysis (except RNA-based molecular tests) |