Use of test
Purpose:
The Phosphate and Tensin homologue (PTEN) gene on 10q23 is mutated in a wide range of cancers. Allelic loss is a frequent event in glioblastomas. This test has diagnostic implications.
Utility:
PTEN deletion occurs in around 30% of glioblastomas. Establishing the presence of the deletion can be an aid to diagnosis.
Ethical considerations:
This is an assay for non-heritable mutations. It does not raise issues of ethics or consent that are different from most other investigations ordered in the routine care of a patient.
Methodology:
Fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis, using probes to enumerate the PTEN gene.
Requesting the test
Ordering:
This test is usually requested by an oncologist.
Request form:
>Somatic mutation request form
Sample required:
Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue (FFPE) - 15 sections of 4 uM thickness, dried overnight at 37°C onto charged/coated slides.
Special instructions:
Please stain the first section with H&E, and label each slide with patient and block identifiers. Label the unstained sections sequentially (slides 2-15). The request should be accompanied by the somatic mutation request form (above) and a copy of the original histopathology report.
Turnaround time:
5 business days.
Price:
Up to $255.
If more information is required, the requesting clinician can call our laboratory on (07) 3377 8573.
Rebate:
This test is not rebated by Medicare. The laboratory assumes that the patient or client has provided informed financial consent for the test.