This test assesses methylation status of the MGMT promoter. Epigenetic silencing of MGMT by promoter methylation results in decreased MGMT protein production, reduced DNA repair activity, and potential increased sensitivity to alkylating chemotherapy.
Genomic DNA is modified by bisulfite treatment and amplified by methylation-specific PCR. Products are detected by capillary electrophoresis, as previously described (PMID: 10029064). Methylation status is classified as methylated, unmethylated or undetermined. The lower limit of detection (analytical sensitivity) of this assay is 10% of methylated DNA in the sample tested.
Not all patients whose tumors have MGMT promoter methylation will respond to alkylating chemotherapy. MGMT promoter methylation status should not be used as the sole determinant of alkylating therapy eligibility. Furthermore, a negative result does not rule out the presence of an alteration that may be present but below the limits of detection of this assay. DNA variants located in primer binding sites and rare genotyping errors can lead to inaccurate diagnosis.
Turnaround time: 10 working days
Specimens accepted:
- FFPE : Scrolls 5 µm minimum 10 scrolls in a 1.5ml Eppendorf tube
- Fresh or frozen tissue: 5 mm3 frozen fragment (minimum 2 mm3) in a proper container. Frozen samples should be received within hours well identified and ship on a dry ice.
Submit your test request using our requisition.