Pathological Anatomy Department

The pathological anatomy department conducts studies on biopsy and surgical material for tumors and precancerous lesions of various locations. The volume of research is approximately 174,547 per year, of which surgical material accounts for 92,081 studies, 21,017 biopsy studies, 18,422 immunohistochemical studies, and 1,847 molecular genetic studies. The department’s specialists carry out extensive consultative work by reviewing submitted micropreparations from medical institutions in Moscow, the Moscow region, various regions of the Russian Federation, and countries near and far abroad. The study of therapeutic pathomorphosis is conducted under different modern treatment regimens, based on dynamic examination of biopsy and surgical material.

Immunohistochemical studies are carried out using more than 200 different antibodies:

• Determination of hormonal status in breast cancer using antibodies against estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, the oncoprotein Her2/neu, Ki67;
• Clarifying tumor diagnostics in complex and unclear cases, as well as in cases with doubtful morphological conclusions;
• Morphological and immunohistochemical diagnostics of tumors of the female reproductive system;
• Morphological and immunohistochemical differential diagnostics of benign and malignant processes in the prostate;
• Morphological and immunohistochemical diagnostics of soft tissue and bone tumors;
• Immunohistochemical examination of metastases without an identified primary site;
• Morphological and immunohistochemical diagnostics of lymphoid tissue tumors;
• For clarifying diagnostics and targeted therapy, FISH testing is performed: Her2/neu, BCL2, c-myc, ALK, etc.

All tests are conducted using modern equipment, including Ventana Dual ISH.

A wide range of molecular genetic studies is conducted in the pathology department on biopsy and surgical materials.

• Molecular genetic analysis of c-KIT and PDGFRA mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
• Molecular genetic analysis of mutations in the BRAF, c-KIT, and NRAS genes in melanomas.
• Molecular genetic analysis of BRAF gene mutations in thyroid cancer.
• Molecular genetic analysis of EGFR gene mutations in lung adenocarcinomas.
• Molecular genetic analysis of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF gene mutations in colorectal cancer.

List of required documents for consultation of histological specimens and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies at the Pathology Department of the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute:

• A copy of the histological report (from both sides of the biopsy referral) from the institution where the initial examination was conducted;
• A copy of the discharge summary from the medical record or outpatient card related to the pathology being investigated;
• Passport, SNILS, medical insurance policy, referral form No. 057/u-04 when arranging compulsory medical insurance (OMS);
• Histological slides and paraffin blocks must be brought, with numbers corresponding to those on the copy of the histological report.

The P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute provides a unique opportunity for patients to have their histological materials reviewed by leading pathologists of the senior and leading division in Russian oncology, which performs any morphological diagnosis of tumors and non-tumor human diseases. For this purpose, patients’ histological slides obtained from external medical and diagnostic clinics are reviewed by the specialists of the Pathomorphology Department for a fee. To obtain the ‘Second Expert Opinion’ service, the patient needs to contact either the call center at 8 (495) 150 11 22 or directly visit the institute’s department at 2nd Botkinsky Proezd, Building 3 (4th floor of the administrative building). Registration (issuance of reports) working hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The review of the specimens will take 10 working days from the moment the specimens are delivered to the laboratory.

The Pathology Service at the P. Hertsen MORI was established in 1903. The development of the pathology department is closely associated with the names of professors G.E. Koritsky, L.M. Shabad, Z.V. Golbert, G.A. Lavnikova, A.S. Yagubov, and G.A. Frank.Currently, the Pathology Department is headed by Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Nadezhda Volchenko. The department employs specialists of different generations; highly qualified and experienced pathologists carry out consultative work and pass on their experience to the younger doctors of the department.