Ordering Guidance

This assay provides a genome-wide methylation profile and MGMT promoter methylation status of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

For next-generation sequencing to evaluate for microsatellite instability status, somatic mutations, and rearrangements involving targeted genes associated with CNS tumors, order NONCP / Neuro-Oncology Expanded Gene Panel with Rearrangement, Tumor.

For evaluation of copy number abnormalities and loss of heterozygosity, order CMAPT / Chromosomal Microarray, Tumor, Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded.

Multiple oncology (cancer) gene panels are available. For more information see Hematology, Oncology, and Hereditary Test Selection Guide.

Necessary Information

Pathology report (final or preliminary), at minimum containing the following information must accompany specimen for testing to be performed:

1. Patient name

2. Block number-must be on all blocks, slides, and paperwork (can be handwritten on the paperwork)

3. Tissue collection date

4. Source of the tissue

5. Pathologic diagnosis (final or preliminary)

Specimen Required

This assay requires at least 60% tumor nuclei.

-Preferred amount of tumor area with sufficient percent tumor nuclei: tissue 360 mm(2)

-Minimum amount of tumor area: tissue 144 mm(2)

-These amounts are cumulative over up to 20 unstained slides and must have adequate percent tumor nuclei.

-Tissue fixation: 10% neutral buffered formalin, not decalcified 

-For specimen preparation guidance, see Tissue Requirements for Solid Tumor Next-Generation Sequencing. In this document, the sizes are given as 6 mm x 6 mm x 10 slides as preferred: approximate/equivalent to 360 mm(2) and the minimum as 4 mm x 4 mm x 10 slides: approximate/equivalent to 144 mm(2).

-If ordered in conjunction with other tests, please refer to specimen requirements for the specific tests.

Preferred:

Specimen Type: Tissue block

Collection Instructions: Submit a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block with an acceptable amount of tumor tissue

Acceptable:

Specimen Type: Tissue slide

Slides: 1 Hematoxylin and eosin-stained and 20 unstained

Collection Instructions:

Submit the following slides:

1 Slide stained with hematoxylin and eosin

AND

20 Unstained, nonbaked slides with 5-micron thick sections of the tumor tissue

Note: The total amount of required tumor nuclei can be obtained by scraping up to 20 slides from the same block.

Additional Information: Unused unstained slides will not be returned.