Test Overview
Reverse transcription followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with detection by capillary electrophoresis.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a member of the group of "small round blue cell" tumors, and must be distinguished from morphologically similar pediatric tumors. Rhabdomyosarcoma includes two major histological subtypes, embryonal and alveolar. Of these, the alveolar type is associated with a worse prognosis. Two recurrent and distinctive chromosomal translocations occur in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The t(2;13)(q35;q14) translocation joins the PAX3 and FOXO1 (FKHR) genes in approximately 60% of alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas, while the less common t(1;13)(p36;q14) joins PAX7 with FOXO1 in approximately 20% of cases. The juxtaposed genes lead to expression of chimeric transcripts consisting of the 5’ portion of PAX3 or PAX7 fused to the 3’ portion of the FOXO1 gene. This test qualitatively detects the PAX3/FOXO1 and PAX7/FOXO1 fusion transcripts in fresh/frozen or formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissues. Testing can aid in distinguishing alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma from other similar tumors.
Interpretive report provided. The specific fusion transcript type is reported with a positive test result.
This assay is expected to be positive in approximately 80% of all alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas. Approximately 20% of tumors diagnosed as alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma based on histologic grounds have been found to be negative for a PAX/FOXO1 translocation or fusion transcript.
Test Details
2 - 7 days
- PAX3 Chimeric Transcript Detection
- ARMS TRANSLOCATION ASSAY
- PAX7 Chimeric Transcript Detection
- FKHR Chimeric Transcript Detection
- PAX/FKHR Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Translocation Assay
- ARMS
- MLABEL
- ARMSS
- ARMS TRANSLOCATION ASSAY
- Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Translocation Detection
Specimen Requirements
A formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block containing an area with a high percentage of neoplastic cells (for micro-/macro-dissection) is preferred. Unstained, UNBAKED slides (5-8, 10-micron slides; 10-15 if few neoplastic cells are present) 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.