Comprehensive genetic analysis for sarcoma fusions

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Clarification for a challenging diagnosis

Sarcomas are malignant tumors that arise in the bone and soft tissue.  With numerous subtypes of sarcoma that can have overlapping histological, immunophenotypic, and clinical features, diagnosis can be extremely challenging. This challenge increases when rare subtypes are encountered for which most pathologists will have little experience. Using only histological and immunophenotypic features can lead to a high rate of inaccurate diagnoses. Published data indicates a substantial number of patients have discordant diagnoses between referring institutions and specialty centers. Supplementing the histologic diagnosis with genetic testing can improve diagnostic accuracy and overall patient management. 

Comprehensive testing for sarcomas

Genetic fusions have been described in an increasing number of sarcoma types, making comprehensive testing a valuable diagnostic tool. In order to aid in the diagnosis for a wide range of tumors, our next-generation sequencing panel includes fusions in 138 individual genes. This analysis covers fusions described in 39 types of soft tissue, bone, and other mesenchymal tumors. Because fusion events can occur between known or novel gene partners, our next-generation sequencing panel (Mayo ID: SARCP) is designed to provide the most comprehensive analysis by including 138 genes, 124 gene fusion pairs, 274 fusion variants, and novel gene partner detection.  

SARCP | Sarcoma Targeted Gene Fusion/Rearrangement Panel, Next-Generation Sequencing, Tumor

View full list of types included in panel

In cases where comprehensive NGS analysis cannot be performed or the diagnosis is highly suspect, we also offer a variety of single-gene fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) tests to identify common genetic rearrangements in the genes EWSR1, USP6, TFE3, PDGFB, SS18, SYT, FUS, DDIT3, CHOP, FOXO1, FKHR, NR4A3, ETV6, ALK, and others.

In some cases, the genetic abnormality may be something other than a fusion, and testing is available to support these cases. One such abnormality is the ring and giant rod chromosomes derived from amplified sequences of chromosome bands 12q13-15, which include several amplified genes such as MDM2, CPM, CDK4, and TSPAN31. This analysis is specifically useful in diagnosing well-differentiated liposarcomas and may be useful in a small subset of low-grade osteosarcomas.

MDM2F | MDM2 (12q15) Amplification, Well-Differentiated Liposarcoma/Atypical Lipomatous Tumor, FISH, Tissue

Additional support for rare and complex cases

Overall, sarcomas represent a small percentage of surgical pathology cases, with some entities being quite rare. For cases needing an added level of support, our second-opinion pathology consultations are conducted by a team of pathologists who are experts in bone and soft tissue pathology.  As a referral practice, our five bone and soft tissue pathologists review more than 3,000 cases every year, including rare subtypes and complex cases. Our pathologists will provide a thorough review of the case information, including a review of radiological images and any other materials sent with the case, determine what ancillary IHC or genetic testing is needed, and provide a comprehensive, integrated report.

PATHC | Pathology Consultation

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.