Comparison of the diagnostic yield of intra-operative histological analysis of donor tissue with suspected neoplasia performed with the standard method versus the experimental method, which involves optimisation of sample freezing and analysis with the IHC fast track procedure

Optimisation of frozen material can be achieved with specific tools that improve the quality of freezing and the cutting of histological sections, allowing a lower incidence of artefacts, with better histological definition. These instruments would also allow the execution of automated IHC protocols, with increased diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and better risk stratification for donors with malignancy. All this should lead to an increase in the donor pool with better oncological risk stratification and, consequently, increase the number of organs to be allocated, making it possible to respond more promptly to the great demand for organs needed for transplantation.

Moreover, not only would the certain exclusion of a neoplasm allow the use of donors who would otherwise have been considered to be at unacceptable risk and therefore excluded from the donor process, but a more precise diagnosis of the neoplasm (where present) would allow the second opinion to stratify the risk more accurately, with a more rational use of organs.

All organ donors who request extemporaneous intraoperative examinations to define the oncological risk of donation during the study period will be recruited.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Organ donors (legally dead by brain or cardiac death) with suspected neoplasia.
• Sending organs/tissues of all types and locations for extemporaneous examination request

Exclusion Criteria:

• None