Test Name
EGFR amplification (7p11.2)*, paraffin
Test Code
FP EGFR
Synonyms
EGFR (HER1/erb-B1), CEP 7
Associations
Brain, Breast, lung and colon cancer
CPT Codes
88377, 88271
Turnaround Time
5
Specimen Requirements
FFPE tissue is acceptable for FISH analysis. Preferred fixative is 10% neutral buffered formalin. Tissues preserved in B5 fixative or decalcified are usually not suitable for FISH. Tumor sections cut 3-5 µm thick and mounted on positively charged organosilane coated (silanized) slides work well. Request several unstained sections (two for each probe) and one H&E stained slide
Specimen Stability
Stable indefinitely when stored at 20°C to 25°C
Storage & Handling
4°C to 25°C during transit, but specimens may be transported on refrigerated gel packs. Do not allow the gel pack to come in contact with the specimen. Do not freeze. Extreme temperatures should be avoided.
Causes for Rejections
Improper fixative; Tissue not fixed; Insufficient tissue; Specimen exposed to extreme temperature
Description
Sequence alterations of the EGFR gene have frequently been identified in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), primarily in those patients who were responsive to Gefitinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. A higher elevation of EGFR mRNA transcript has
References
- Cappuzzo F et al. (2008). EGFR FISH assay predicts for response to cetuximab in chemotherapy refractory colorectal cancer patients. Annals of Oncology 19(4):717-723.
- Franco-Hernandez C et al. (2007). Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics. 173:63-67.
- Moroni M et al. (2008). EGFR FISH in colorectal cancer: what is the current reality? The Lancet Oncology - Volume 9, Issue 5 May.
