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/ Histopathology at King's College Hospital
020 3299 3045 - General Queries
kch-tr.histopathologyoffice@nhs.net
King's College Hospital
Bessemer Wing - 2nd Floor
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

Coon JS, et al. Clin Canc Res 2002: 8; 1061-7.

Amplification and overexpression of topoisomerase II a predict response to anthracycline- based therapy in locally advanced breast cancer.

Jarvinen TA et al Am J Path 2000: 156; 839-47.

Amplification and deletion of topoisomerase II associate with ErbB-2 amplification and affect sensitivity to topoisomerase II inhibitor doxorubicin in breast cancer.

Wagner AD et al Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005: 18; CD004064

Chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer.

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Last updated: 07/08/2015