HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - certain dyes used 4 sentinel node (Identification) biopsy causes false ER negativity

Lani · 06-15-2007, 08:22 PM

false (ER) negatives and only in certain concentrations.

I believe there are other ways to check ER status, which would not be interfered with by the dye. Best to ask your surgeon to check with the pathologist. Some of these other tests may only be done at cancer centers rather than community hospitals, but most of these allow pathological second opinions by sending in your slides.

I did not mean to worry people, rather make them aware that their ER status might deserve to be reexamined if it would alter their treatment if methylene blue dye in the worrisome concentrations were used.

Be sure when given an opinion, that the person giving it has read the full article. I don't believe it is free online(sorry if I am wrong, although it would be great if I am), so many may not want to pay the $25 or so to access it before giving the opinion.

06-15-2007, 08:22 PM	#5
Lani Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4,783	first of all it was only methylene blue dye which caused the false (ER) negatives and only in certain concentrations. I believe there are other ways to check ER status, which would not be interfered with by the dye. Best to ask your surgeon to check with the pathologist. Some of these other tests may only be done at cancer centers rather than community hospitals, but most of these allow pathological second opinions by sending in your slides. I did not mean to worry people, rather make them aware that their ER status might deserve to be reexamined if it would alter their treatment if methylene blue dye in the worrisome concentrations were used. Be sure when given an opinion, that the person giving it has read the full article. I don't believe it is free online(sorry if I am wrong, although it would be great if I am), so many may not want to pay the $25 or so to access it before giving the opinion.