Methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation assay

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General Information

Lab Name
MGMT Promoter Methylation, Somatic
Lab Code
MGMTMT
Epic Ordering
MGMT Promoter Methylation, Somatic
Description

The methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation assay is useful in the evaluation of malignant gliomas; methylation of the MGMT promoter occurs in approximately 40% of malignant gliomas and is a predictive biomarker for response to alkylating chemotherapy. MGMT is a DNA repair protein that reverses the desired cytotoxic effects of alkylating chemotherapeutic agents. Many clinical trials have shown that patients with a hypermethylated MGMT promoter are more likely to benefit from temozolomide (TMZ) in addition to standard surgical and radiation therapy. MGMT promoter status has recently been incorporated into adjuvant therapy guidelines provided by the US National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Synonyms
glioblastoma, glioma, hypermethylation, methylation, methylguanine methyltransferase, MGMT, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, promoter, temozolomide
Components

Interpretation

Method

Tumor DNA is bisulfite converted and amplified with a PCR-based assay to assess MGMT promoter hypermethylation

Reference Range
See individual components
Guidelines

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
FFPE, Tissue
Collection

EITHER (a) slides OR (b) tissue block:

(a) Instructions for slide specimens: 1 slide at 4-micron thickness stained with hematoxylin-and-eosin AND 10 unstained, non-baked slides at 10-micron thickness (a minimum of 5 unstained slides is acceptable). Unstained slides can be on charged or uncharged slides.Note: sections should contain as much tumor as possible.

(b) Instructions for tissue block specimen: Provide complete tissue block containing tumor tissue. If there is more than one tissue block, please provide the block that has the greatest amount of tumor tissue. Tissue block will be returned at completion of testing.

(c) Add-on after prior testing in our lab: contact Genetics lab

Unacceptable: Decalcified sample

Handling Instructions

Attach a copy of the pathology report for the tumor sample being submitted.

Quantity
requested: Requested: Slides or tissue block as noted above.
minimum: Minimum: 5 unstained slides (10-micron thickness) with 20% tumor nuclei

Processing

Processing

Hold slides or tissue blocks at room temperature.

Outside Laboratories: Ship at room temperature.

Performance

LIS Dept Code
Genetics (GEN)
Performing Location(s)
UW-MT Genetics

Attention: Genetics Lab
Clinical lab, Room NW220
University of Washington Medical Center
1959 NE Pacific Street
Seattle, WA 98195

Tel: 206-598–6429 M–F (7:30 AM–4:00 PM)
Fax: 206-616-4584
Lab email: cgateam@uw.edu

Tel (EXOME only): 206-543-0459

Faculty
Jillian Buchan, PhD, FACMG
Runjun Kumar, MD, PhD
Regina Kwon, MD, MPH
Christina Lockwood, PhD, DABCC, DABMGG
Brian Shirts, MD, PhD
Abbye McEwen, MD, PhD
Colin Pritchard, MD, PhD
Vera Paulson, MD, PhD
Eric Konnick, MD, MS
He Fang, PhD

Frequency
Run at least once a week; results in 2 - 3 weeks from specimen receipt
Available STAT?
No

Billing & Coding

CPT codes
81287
LOINC
60252-4