IHC Marker-Cathepsin D Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-Cathepsin D Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Cathepsin D Immunostain, IHC-Cathepsin D, CD IHC, CTSD IHC |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No — this test is performed on a tissue sample, not blood |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; typically ordered for individuals with suspected or confirmed malignancies |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-Cathepsin D Test?
The IHC marker-Cathepsin D test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence and level of a protein called Cathepsin D in tumour tissue. It uses a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC), where antibodies are applied to tissue sections to make specific proteins visible under a microscope. Doctors typically order this test after a biopsy to assess tumour behaviour and guide treatment decisions. It is also referred to as Cathepsin D Immunostain or IHC-Cathepsin D.
What Does an IHC Marker-Cathepsin D Test Measure?
This test measures the expression of Cathepsin D protein within tumour tissue. Cathepsin D is an enzyme normally found inside cell compartments called lysosomes, where it helps break down proteins. When overexpressed in tumour cells, it is associated with more aggressive cancer behaviour.
The following table shows how results are scored:
| Parameter | Cells Stained | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | Less than 5% | 0 |
| Weakly positive | 5 to 25% | 1+ |
| Moderately positive | 25 to 50% | 2+ |
| Strongly positive | More than 50% | 3+ |
The pathologist examines staining intensity and the percentage of positive cells across the tissue sample to assign a score. Results are qualitative, meaning they indicate the presence or absence of the protein and how strongly it is expressed.
Why is an IHC Marker-Cathepsin D Test Done?
This test is ordered as part of tumour assessment following a biopsy. It provides important information about cancer aggressiveness and likely outcomes.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test when a patient presents with any of the following:
- A suspicious lump or mass detected on examination or imaging
- Unexplained weight loss without a clear cause
- Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Abnormal findings on imaging scans, such as an ultrasound or CT scan
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Symptoms suggesting the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body
- Poor response to standard cancer therapy
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker-Cathepsin D test provides prognostic and diagnostic information across several cancer types. It is used in the assessment of:
- Breast cancer — particularly to evaluate the risk of recurrence and metastasis
- Lung adenocarcinoma — where Cathepsin D has been identified as a possible prognostic marker
- Colorectal cancer — especially to assess invasion and liver metastasis potential
- Pancreatic cancer — for prognosis assessment
- Salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma — to evaluate perineural invasion
- Giant cell granulomas — to differentiate between peripheral and central types
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before this test, as it is performed on tissue collected during a biopsy. However, a few practical steps will help the process go smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test analyses a tissue sample, not blood or urine, so food intake does not affect the results.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your test appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry a valid prescription or referral letter from your doctor
- If you are undergoing a fresh biopsy, follow your surgeon's instructions about medications, particularly blood thinners, which may need to be paused
- Bring any previous pathology or imaging reports that are available
- If the tissue block has already been collected, ensure it is properly labelled and handed to the collection centre staff
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker-Cathepsin D test procedure involves the following steps:
- A tissue sample is collected through a biopsy — this may be a fine-needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, or surgical biopsy, depending on your doctor's assessment. Local anaesthesia is typically used to minimise discomfort.
- The tissue is preserved using a chemical fixative (usually formalin) and then embedded in paraffin wax. This creates the FFPE tissue block, which maintains the sample's structure for analysis.
- The laboratory cuts very thin slices of the tissue block and places them onto microscope slides.
- Specially prepared antibodies are applied to the tissue. These antibodies bind to the Cathepsin D protein if it is present in the cells.
- A dye or marker linked to the antibody makes the protein visible under a microscope, allowing the pathologist to see where and how strongly it is expressed.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides, assigns a score based on staining intensity and percentage of positive cells, and prepares a detailed report sent to your doctor.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of results:
- Quality of tissue fixation and preservation at the time of biopsy
- Timeliness of tissue processing after collection
- The specific antibody used and its concentration
- Antigen retrieval technique applied in the laboratory
- Pathologist's experience in scoring and interpreting IHC staining
Understanding Your IHC Marker-Cathepsin D Test Results
Your pathologist will assess the stained tissue and assign a score from negative to strongly positive. This score must always be reviewed by your oncologist alongside other tumour markers and clinical findings.
| Result | Cells Stained | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Negative (Score 0) | Less than 5% | Generally associated with a more favourable prognosis |
| Weakly positive (1+) | 5 to 25% | Low expression; lower likelihood of aggressive behaviour |
| Moderately positive (2+) | 25 to 50% | Intermediate expression; requires clinical correlation |
| Strongly positive (3+) | More than 50% | Associated with higher tumour aggressiveness and poorer prognosis |
High Cathepsin D expression in tumour tissue has been associated with higher histological grade, greater risk of recurrence, and increased likelihood of distant spread. Low or absent expression is generally linked to a better prognosis and more favourable treatment response.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this is a test performed on tumour tissue, lifestyle changes do not directly alter Cathepsin D expression in the sample. However, the following general wellness steps remain worthwhile:
- Attend regular health check-ups and seek prompt investigation of any unusual symptoms
- Maintain an active lifestyle and a balanced diet to support overall well-being
- Follow your oncologist's guidance closely regarding follow-up tests, surveillance, and treatment planning
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-Cathepsin D Test Price
The IHC marker-Cathepsin D test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for tissue-based IHC tests.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1920 |
| CHENNAI | 1920 |
| HYDERABAD | 1920 |
| KOLKATA | 1920 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1920 |
| PUNE | 1920 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your IHC marker-Cathepsin D test online with Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test is primarily used to assess the aggressiveness of certain tumours and predict the risk of recurrence or spread. It is particularly useful in breast, lung, and colorectal cancers. The results help oncologists make informed decisions about treatment and follow-up care.
The tissue sample is collected through a biopsy procedure, which may be a fine-needle aspiration, a core needle biopsy, or a surgical biopsy, depending on the location and nature of the suspected tumour. Local anaesthesia is usually given to keep the procedure comfortable. If you already have a preserved tissue block from a previous biopsy, that sample can be submitted directly.
No, home sample collection is not available for this test. Because it requires tissue obtained through a biopsy procedure, the sample must be collected at a healthcare centre. You can submit an existing FFPE tissue block at your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
A positive result, particularly a strongly positive score, indicates high expression of the Cathepsin D protein in the tumour tissue. This has been associated with greater tumour aggressiveness, higher risk of recurrence, and poorer outcomes in several cancers. Your oncologist will interpret the result alongside other clinical and pathological findings.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically delivered within 7 days. IHC tests involve multiple laboratory steps, including tissue processing, staining, and expert pathologist review, which is why the turnaround time is longer than routine blood tests.
No fasting is needed. The IHC marker-Cathepsin D test procedure is performed on a tissue sample, so food or drink intake before the test has no effect on results.
No, this test alone does not confirm or rule out a cancer diagnosis. It provides prognostic information about tumour protein expression. It is always interpreted alongside other IHC markers, histopathology findings, imaging results, and your overall clinical picture by a qualified specialist.
IHC Marker-Cathepsin D Test: Booking, Price, and Results
