Neuro-Oncology Testing [Test in Focus]

Audio Interview

Testing

When to Order

Specimen Info

Performance Info

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Our testing method for neuro-oncology patients combines molecular and cytogenetic analysis (in addition to a standard morphological and histological assessment) to provide a clear picture of the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. This approach maximizes the amount of information available, allowing for a tailored treatment plan.

Robert Jenkins, M.D., Ph.D., a pathologist and cancer geneticist at Mayo Clinic, provides an overview of the new neuro-oncology expanded gene panel (NONCP) and chromosomal microarray testing (CMAPT) available through Mayo Clinic Laboratories. He discusses which types of patients should be tested, how these tests improves upon previous methods, and what clinical action can be taken from the results of this testing.

Testing

• • Chromosomal Microarray, Tumor, Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded
    (Mayo ID: CMAPT)
  • Neuro-Oncology Expanded Panel with Rearrangement, Tumor (Mayo ID: NONCP)*
    * Previous orderable was Mayo ID: NONTP

When to Order

CMAPT

• Genomic characterization of tumor for copy number imbalances and loss of heterozygosity.
• Assisting in the diagnosis and classification of malignant neoplasms.
• Evaluating the prognosis for patients with malignant tumors.

NONCP

This test is useful for:

• Identifying mutations and rearrangements that may support a diagnosis for patients with tumors of the central nervous system (CNS).
• Identifying mutations and rearrangements that may help determine prognosis for patients with tumors of the CNS.
• Identifying specific mutations and rearrangements within genes known to be associated with response or resistance to specific cancer therapies.

Specimen Information

CMAPT

Please submit only 1 of the following specimens:

• Specimen Type: Tissue
• Container/Tube: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue block
• Specimen Type: Slides
• Specimen Volume: 10 consecutive, unstained, 5-micron-thick sections placed on positively charged slides and 1 hematoxylin and eosin-stained slide

NONCP

Preferred:

• Specimen Type: Tissue
• Container/Tube: Tissue Block
• Collection Instructions: Submit a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block

Acceptable:

• Specimen Type: Tissue
• Slides: 1 stained and 15 unstained
• Collection Instructions: Submit 1 slide stained with hematoxylin and eosin and 15 unstained, nonbaked slides with 5 micron-thick sections of the tumor tissue

Performance Information

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed

• CMAPT - samples processed Monday through Sunday. Results reported Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• NONCP - Monday through Friday; Varies

Analytic Time

• CMAPT - 10 days
• NONCP - 12 days

Alyssa Frank

Alyssa Frank is a Marketing Segment Manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She leads marketing strategies for product management and specialty testing. Alyssa has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2015.