Application of Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization to Detect MYCN Amplification on Paraffin-embedded Tissue Sections of Neuroblastoma - Single Institute Study.

BackgroundNeuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumour in children. Amplification of the MYCN gene was observed in approximately 20-30% of tumours. It is strongly correlated with advanced stage of disease, rapid tumour progression, resistant to chemotherapy and poor outcome independent of patient age and stage of advanced disease. Amplification of the MYCN identify high-risk patients.MethodsTo assess neuroblastoma tumours with MYCN amplification we used paraffin-embedded tissue sections in 57 patients by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). ResultsTwenty-eight (49,1%) of patients had localized neuroblastoma (1–3 stages), 5,3% stage 4S, and 45,6% stage 4 disease. Thirty-eight (66,7%) of patients had got abdominal/adrenal mass at diagnosis. Twenty-seven (47,4%) patients were <18 month of age, thirty (52,6%) patients were >18 month of age. MYCN amplification appeared in 12 (21%) tumour specimens. ConclusionsFluorescent in situ hybridization is a high-sensitive, useful technique for detecting MYCN amplification on paraffin- embedded tissue section of neuroblastoma tumours thus facilitating therapeutic decisions based on the presence or absence of this important biologic marker.