TOP IIA FISH

Description: 
Type II topoisomerases are enzymes that assist in the DNA replication and recombination by allowing topographical changes to the double helix and are also necessary for correct chromosome structure and segregation. The gene is located on chromosome 17q21-22 and its amplification and deletion is associated with the Her2 gene due to their close proximity in the genome.





As type II topoisomerases are the target for certain chemotherapeutic agents such as the anthracyclines, the copy number of the gene has been shown to have a bearing on the sensitivity of the tumour to these drugs. As such, demonstration of TOP2A has been shown to be a predictive marker in a variety of malignant tumours e.g. breast, gastric and colonic.





The copy number of the topoisomerase II gene can be assessed using fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH).


Sample type and Volume required: 
Paraffin processed blocks or sections of tumour.


Tissue that has been decalcified in acid is not suitable.


Turnaround time: 
1 – 2 Weeks
Contacts:
Cellular Pathology at Guy's And St Thomas' Hospital
Histology: 0207 188 7188 extension 54611 , Cytology: 0207 188 2915, Oral Pathology: 0207 188 4367
Histopathology & Cytopathology Laboratories
Cellular Pathology
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 2nd Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH

Head and Neck/Oral Pathology Laboratory
4th Floor, Tower Wing
Guy's Hospital
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT



For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 07/08/2015