If the immunohistochemistry of lung cancer is positive, genetic test is also needed as the basis for guiding targeted drug therapy; if it is negative, genetic test is usually not needed.
Immunohistochemistry can classify lung cancer, determine whether it is squamous, adenocarcinoma or small cell carcinoma, etc., and identify whether it is a primary or metastatic lesion.
Immunohistochemistry examination can detect certain gene mutations in lung cancer, i.e. show positive, but the mutation gene locus cannot be specifically detected, then genetic testing is needed.
Genetic testing can accurately detect the mutated gene target and typing to guide the selection of targeted drugs for better treatment of lung cancer, which is also the concept of precision treatment with the continuous progress of medical science.
If the immunohistochemistry test is negative for certain known mutated genes, lung cancer is not related to the gene mutation, and then there is no need for further genetic testing, and generally it cannot be treated by targeted drugs.
In conclusion, whether genetic testing is mainly based on the immunohistochemistry results to determine the need for targeted drug therapy patients, genetic testing to select drugs to improve the therapeutic effect, the specific use of drugs need to follow the doctor’s instructions.