Test Overview
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
BRAF is as serine-threonine protein kinase involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Constitutively activating mutations and rearrangements involving BRAF have been described in a range of neoplasms. BRAF rearrangements are particularly common in pilocytic astrocytoma, Spitz nevi and Spitzoid melanoma, pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma and less common in prostate and gastric cancer. The detection of these rearrangements can be useful in the diagnosis of pilocytic astrocytoma since these rearrangements are uncommon in high-grade gliomas and other types of low-grade gliomas including grade II diffuse glioma, ganglioglioma and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma. In addition, the potential therapeutic utility of targeted therapies in neoplasms with BRAF rearrangements is currently being investigated in clinical trials. This test detects rearrangements involving BRAF (7q34) using fluorescence in situ hybridization and is expected to detect nearly all BRAF rearrangements. The partner gene for BRAF rearrangements is not identified by this study.
Interpretive report provided.
This test will detect rearrangements involving BRAF but will not identify the translocation partner. This test may not detect BRAF rearrangements in some cases due to the intrachromosomal proximity of some fusion partners.
Test Details
3 - 10 days
Specimen Requirements
A formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block containing sufficient neoplastic cells is preferred. Unstained slides (3, 4-micron slides) with associated H&E stained slide are also acceptable. Decalcified tissue or other fixatives will be accepted and the assay attempted, however these may result in failed testing due to degraded nucleic acid. Both blocks and slides should be stored at room temperature.
Additional Information
By ordering this test the clinician acknowledges that informed consent has been obtained from the patient as required by applicable state or federal laws and the ordering clinician has authorization from the patient permitting MLabs to report the test results to the ordering clinician. Test includes pathologist interpretation of results billed as a separate additional charge. This test is not available without interpretation.