Next-Generation Immunohistochemical and RNA in Situ Hybridization Assays for Renal Neoplasia: Which Biomarkers Are Ready for Prime Time?
- 1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
Abstract
The expanding molecular classification of renal neoplasia has created a growing need for biomarkers that translate biologic insights into practical diagnostic tools. This review focuses on recently introduced immunohistochemical (IHC) and RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) assays with potential relevance to routine kidney tumor pathology. Biomarkers were selected based on their applicability to conventional formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue; commercial accessibility and potential for cost-effective implementation; evaluation in substantial tumor cohorts; comparison with established or gold-standard methods; and, where available, validation in independent and/or multi-institutional studies. The reviewed biomarkers encompass markers of cellular lineage and differentiation (L1CAM, FOXI1, and LINC01187); markers of tumor identity, molecular alterations, and metabolic pathway dysregulation (GPNMB, AKR1B10, 2SC, VSTM2A, TRIM63, and Merlin); and prognostic or therapeutically relevant biomarkers (BAP1, HER2, ABCC2, and PD-L1). We critically evaluate their biologic rationale, diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive applications, technical limitations, and current level of validation. By distinguishing biomarkers supported for broader or selective clinical implementation from those requiring additional validation or remaining primarily relevant to defined therapeutic contexts, this review provides a practical framework for their integration into contemporary renal tumor pathology.
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BibTeX
@article{valk2026nextgeneration,
title = {{Next-Generation Immunohistochemical and RNA in Situ Hybridization Assays for Renal Neoplasia: Which Biomarkers Are Ready for Prime Time?}},
author = {Jacob E Valk and Maria S Tretiakova},
journal = {Cancers},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.3390/cancers18193072},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42882767},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Next-Generation Immunohistochemical and RNA in Situ Hybridization Assays for Renal Neoplasia: Which Biomarkers Are Ready for Prime Time?
AU - Jacob E Valk
AU - Maria S Tretiakova
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/22
JO - Cancers
DO - 10.3390/cancers18193072
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42882767
AB - The expanding molecular classification of renal neoplasia has created a growing need for biomarkers that translate biologic insights into practical diagnostic tools. This review focuses on recently introduced immunohistochemical (IHC) and RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) assays with potential relevance to routine kidney tumor pathology. Biomarkers were selected based on their applicability to conventional formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue; commercial accessibility and potential for cost-effective implementation; evaluation in substantial tumor cohorts; comparison with established or gold-standard methods; and, where available, validation in independent and/or multi-institutional studies. The reviewed biomarkers encompass markers of cellular lineage and differentiation (L1CAM, FOXI1, and LINC01187); markers of tumor identity, molecular alterations, and metabolic pathway dysregulation (GPNMB, AKR1B10, 2SC, VSTM2A, TRIM63, and Merlin); and prognostic or therapeutically relevant biomarkers (BAP1, HER2, ABCC2, and PD-L1). We critically evaluate their biologic rationale, diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive applications, technical limitations, and current level of validation. By distinguishing biomarkers supported for broader or selective clinical implementation from those requiring additional validation or remaining primarily relevant to defined therapeutic contexts, this review provides a practical framework for their integration into contemporary renal tumor pathology.
SN - 2072-6694
ER -