A Role of Three-Dimensional (3D)-Reconstruction in the Classification of Lung Adenocarcinoma. (2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Onozato, Maristela L.; Klepeis, Veronica E.; Yagi, Yukako; Mino-Kenudson, Mari
• Is Part Of: Analytical cellular pathology. Volume 35:Number 2(2012)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2012
• Subjects: Lung -- adenocarcinoma -- solid -- micropapillary -- classification -- histology -- 3D -- automation; Pathology, Cellular -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Oncology -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Cytopathology -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Cytopathology; Cytology; Oncology; Pathology, Cellular; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Cells -- pathology; Cytological Techniques; Genetic Techniques; Periodicals; 571.936
• DOI: 10.3233/ACP-2011-0030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-7177

Abstract

Abstract : Background : Three-dimensional (3D)-reconstruction from paraffin embedded sections has been considered laborious and time-consuming. However, the high-resolution images of large object areas and different fields of view obtained by 3D-reconstruction make one wonder whether it can add a new insight into lung adenocarcinoma, the most frequent histology type of lung cancer characterized by its morphological heterogeneity. Objective : In this work, we tested whether an automated tissue sectioning machine and slide scanning system could generate precise 3D-reconstruction of microanatomy of the lung and help us better understand and define histologic subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma. Methods : Four formalin-fixed human lung adenocarcinoma resections were studied. Paraffin embedded tissues were sectioned with Kurabo-Automated tissue sectioning machine and serial sections were automatically stained and scanned with a Whole Slide Imaging system. The resulting stacks of images were 3D reconstructed by Pannoramic Viewer software. Results : Two of the four specimens contained islands of tumor cells detached in alveolar spaces that had not been described in any of the existing adenocarcinoma classifications. 3D-reconstruction revealed the details of spatial distribution and structural interaction of the tumor that could hardly be observed by 2D light microscopy studies. The islands of tumor cells extended into a deeper aspect of the tissue, and were interconnected with each other and with the main tumor with a solid pattern that was surrounded by the islands. The finding raises the question whether the islands of tumor cells should be classified into a solid pattern in the current classification. Conclusion : The combination of new technologies enabled us to build an effective 3D-reconstruction of resected lung adenocarcinomas. 3D-reconstruction may help us refine the classification of lung adenocarcinoma by adding detailed spatial/structural information to 2D light microscopy evaluation.