C-MYC by FISH

C-MYC (also known as MYC) is a proto-oncogene that plays a critical role in the regulation of cell growth and proliferation. Abnormalities in the C-MYC gene, such as gene amplification or translocation, are associated with the development of various cancers, including lymphomas, leukemias, and some solid tumors. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) is a molecular diagnostic technique used to detect and assess C-MYC abnormalities in cancer cells. Here’s how C-MYC testing by FISH works:

• Sample Collection: A tissue sample, typically obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure, is collected from the patient. This tissue sample contains cancer cells.
• Tissue Preparation: The collected tissue sample is processed and prepared for FISH analysis. This may involve fixing the tissue and preparing thin sections on glass slides.
• FISH Probe Preparation: Specific DNA probes are designed to target the C-MYC gene region. These probes are labeled with fluorescent molecules that emit distinct colors when exposed to specific wavelengths of light.
• Hybridization: The tissue sample is incubated with the DNA probes. If there are abnormalities in the C-MYC gene, such as amplification or translocation, the DNA probes will bind to the corresponding target sequences.
• Fluorescent Labeling: When the DNA probes bind to the target C-MYC gene sequences, they emit fluorescent signals. These signals can be visualized and analyzed using a fluorescent microscope.
• Imaging and Analysis: The tissue sample is examined under the fluorescent microscope. The number and pattern of fluorescent signals are assessed. Abnormalities, such as C-MYC gene amplification or translocation, are identified based on the presence of extra copies of the C-MYC gene or its fusion with another gene.

C-MYC FISH testing is particularly important in the diagnosis and management of certain cancers, including Burkitt lymphoma and some types of B-cell lymphomas. C-MYC abnormalities are associated with aggressive tumor behavior and can influence treatment decisions. For example, in Burkitt lymphoma, C-MYC translocation is a hallmark genetic alteration, and identifying this alteration can be essential for diagnosis and guiding treatment. The results of C-MYC FISH testing provide valuable information about the genetic characteristics of cancer cells. These results can help oncologists determine the most appropriate treatment strategies, including whether targeted therapies or specific chemotherapy regimens are needed to address the C-MYC abnormality.