FISH for MET Gene Amplification

MET (7q31) exon 14 skipping and gene amplification

Clinical Significance:
Recently established guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP), and/or the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCP) recommend testing for all newly diagnosed non-small cell, non-squamous lung carcinomas or such metastatic lung carcinomas that have not had a primary resection available for testing.  MET (7q31) exon 14 skipping mutations and gene amplification positive patients with NSCLC define a subset of individuals that may be responsive to small-molecule kinase inhibitors, such as capmatinib and critozinib. 

https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/nscl.pdf

Specimen Requirements and Collection:
Formalin fixed tissue containing a sufficient amount of tumor (generally at least several mm of tumor tissue submitted in the tissue block). 

Methodology:
Fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH)

Forms:
Molecular pathology requisition form

Transport:
Send formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue and cell block containing tumor at room temperature.  Also acceptable 10-unstained, 4-5 micron slides with 1 post H&E.  Please include a surgical pathology report

Unacceptable specimen:
Specimens fixed in alternative fixatives or metal fixatives (ex. B-plus).  Decalcified specimens.

Reference Range:
MET exon 14 skipping not detected = negative result
MET exon 14 skipping detected = positive result
MET gene amplification present = positive result
MET gene amplification no detected = negative result

CPT codes:
88381, 81403, 88377

Test reported:
Results are reported within 7-10 days