ABSTRACT
To investigate the clinical validity and utility of tests for detecting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene mutations in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer patients, tumour DNA extracts from 532 patients previously tested by the cobas EGFR Mutation Test (RT-PCR test) were retested by the Sequenom/Agena Biosciences MassArray OncoFocus mass spectrometry test (MS test). Valid results from both tests were available from 470 patients (88%) for agreement analysis. Survival data were obtained for 513 patients (96%) and 77 patients (14%) were treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Agreement analysis revealed moderately high positive (79.8%), negative (96.9%) and overall percentage agreement (93.2%) for the detection of EGFR mutations. However, EGFR mutations were detected by one test and not by the other test in 32 patients (7%). Retesting of discordant samples revealed false-positive and false-negative results generated by both tests. Despite this, treatment and survival outcomes correlated with the results of the RT-PCR and MS tests. In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the clinical validity and utility of the RT-PCR and MS tests for detection of EGFR mutations that predict prognosis and benefit from EGFR-TKI treatment. However, their false-positive and false-negative test results may have important clinical consequences.
ABSTRACT
Female carriers of balanced translocations involving an X chromosome and an autosome offer genetic counselling challenges. This is in view of the number of possible meiotic outcomes, but also due to the impact of X chromosome-localised genes that are no longer subject to gene silencing through the X chromosome inactivation centre. We present a case where delineation of the extent of X chromosome-localised genes on the derivative autosome using molecular karyotyping offers critical information in the context of genetic counselling.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of KaryoLite™ bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs)onBeads™ (BoBs) technology for the rapid screening of products of conception (POC). Validation and prospective studies were carried out on 85 and 95 patient samples, respectively. Validation studies had previously been analyzed using routine culture and G-banded karyotyping. BoBs resulted in an abnormality detection frequency of 27%, with a failure rate of <3%. The time required for processing was significantly lower compared with that of tissue culture. In conclusion, BoBs technology decreased the failure rate, while increasing the analytical sensitivity compared with G-banded karyotype analysis alone. Additionally, significant cost savings may be achieved with regard to the time of processing and analysis of specimens.
