Test ID LCAF Lung Cancer, ALK (2p23) Rearrangement, FISH, Tissue
Necessary Information
1. A pathology report is required in order for testing to be performed. Acceptable pathology reports include working drafts, preliminary pathology or surgical pathology reports.
2. A reason for testing must be provided. If this information is not provided, an appropriate indication for testing may be entered by Mayo Clinic Laboratories.
Specimen Required
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Tissue
Preferred: Tissue block
Collection Instructions: Submit a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue block. Blocks prepared with alternative fixation methods may be acceptable; provide fixation method used.
Acceptable: Slides
Slides: Four consecutive, unstained, 5 micron-thick sections placed on positively charged slides, and 1 hematoxylin and eosin-stained slide.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.
Secondary ID
35282Useful For
Identifying patients with late-stage, non-small cell lung cancers who may benefit from treatment with the drug Xalkori
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
_PBCT | Probe, +2 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
_PADD | Probe, +1 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
_PB02 | Probe, +2 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
_PB03 | Probe, +3 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
_IL25 | Interphases, <25 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
_I099 | Interphases, 25-99 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
_I300 | Interphases, >=100 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
This test does not include a pathology consult. If a pathology consultation is requested, PATHC / Pathology Consultation should be ordered and the appropriate FISH test will be ordered and performed at an additional charge.
This test includes a charge for application of the first probe set (2 FISH probes) and professional interpretation of results.
Additional charges will be incurred for all reflex probes performed. Analysis charges will be incurred based on the number of cells analyzed per probe set. If no cells are available for analysis, no analysis charges will be incurred.
Method Name
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
Reporting Name
ALK (2p23), Lung Cancer, FISH, TsSpecimen Type
TissueSpecimen Minimum Volume
Three consecutive, unstained, 5 micron-thick sections placed on positively charged slides and 1 hematoxylin and eosin-stained slide.
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Tissue | Ambient (preferred) | |
Refrigerated |
Clinical Information
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) accounts for 75% to 80% of all lung cancers with an overall 5-year survival rate of 10% to 15%. Standard chemotherapy regimens have had marginal success in improving clinical outcomes. Targeted treatments may be used as novel molecular changes are identified.
Rearrangements of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) locus are found in a subset of lung carcinomas and their identification may guide important therapeutic decisions for the management of these tumors. The fusion of echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4) gene with the ALK gene results from an inversion of chromosome band 2p23. The ALK-EML4 rearrangement has been identified in 3% to 5% of NSCLC with the majority in adenocarcinoma and younger male patients who were light or nonsmokers. Lung cancers harboring ALK rearrangements are resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but may be highly sensitive to ALK inhibitors, like Xalkori (crizotinib).The drug Xalkori works by blocking certain kinases, including those produced by the abnormal ALK gene. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Xalkori treatment of patients with tumors exhibiting ALK rearrangements can halt tumor progression or result in tumor regression.
Reference Values
An interpretative report will be provided.
Cautions
This test is intended to be used for therapeutic purposes in pulmonary carcinoma. This FISH assay does not rule out other chromosome abnormalities.
While results may indicate the likely response to ALK inhibitor therapy, selection of treatment remains a clinical decision.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
7 to 9 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
88271x2, 88291-DNA probe, each (first probe set), Interpretation and report
88271x2-DNA probe, each; each additional probe set (if appropriate)
88271x1-DNA probe, each; coverage for sets containing 3 probes (if appropriate)
88271x2-DNA probe, each; coverage for sets containing 4 probes (if appropriate)
88271x3-DNA probe, each; coverage for sets containing 5 probes (if appropriate)
88274 w/modifier 52-Interphase in situ hybridization, <25 cells, each probe set (if appropriate)
88274-Interphase in situ hybridization, 25 to 99 cells, each probe set (if appropriate)