Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) FISH Panel Test

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)-FISH Panel test

What is myelodysplastic syndrome?

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a type of blood disorder in which blood cells are not formed properly or they don’t function normally. It causes significant morbidity and mortality. Blood contains different types of cells that are formed in the bone marrow, that is present in the centre of our bones. The different blood cells play different crucial functions such as-

1. Red blood cells-which carry oxygen in our body to various organs

2. White blood cells-which fight various infections

3. Platelets-which help in clotting of blood

Dysfunction or the lack of these cells leads to various symptoms of myelodysplastic syndromes such as:

• Easy fatigability/weakness
• Easy bruising/bleeding
• Recurrent infections
• Breathlessness

What causes Myelodysplastic Syndrome?

Myelodysplastic syndromes have no known cause. They are usually not inherited and occur in old age (>60years). Patients with cancer on chemotherapy/ radiotherapy, or in individuals exposed to certain chemicals like benzene are at risk of developing MDS. There is a risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. It may also lead to bone marrow failure.

What is a FISH test?

FISH stands for fluorescence in-situ hybridization and is a cytogenetic test used to identify particular genes of interest in cells using fluorescent markers.

Why is MDS-FISH panel test prescribed?

The MDS fish panel test aids in identifying the abnormalities seen most commonly in myelodysplastic syndromes. These abnormalities help in the prognostication of the disease as well as in determining the treatment response.

The FISH test is always accompanied by karyotyping to assess the chromosomes and to identify complex or unusual abnormalities.

What are the components of MDS-FISH panel?

The MDS FISH panel includes the following probes to identify common cytogenetic abnormalities:

• EGR1/RPS14 (5q)
• CEP8
• MLL5/MET (7q)
• PTPRT/MYBL2 (20q)
• p53

Procedure and pre-requisites

This test can be done on the following specimens:

• Bone marrow biopsy
• Bone marrow aspirate
• Peripheral blood
• Formalin fixed paraffin embedded slides.

Relevant clinical history/physical examination findings must be sent along with the sample. A properly filled requisition form must accompany the sample.