Pathology reviews in the research context: future directions.

Abstract

Research studies frequently perform reviews of archived pathology material mainly for purposes of diagnostic accuracy. Accuracy is subject to temporal changes in diagnostic criteria and reproducibility error, which limits the applicability of any revision of the original diagnosis to patient care. Currently, such revisions are not disclosed to the patient or their physician unless there is patient consent. Recent expert opinion advocated full disclosure irrespective of the consent status and suggested procedures by which it could occur. We suggest guidelines for conducting unbiased pathology reviews are also needed as part of that process.