BCOR [Sarcoma] Test
About BCOR [Sarcoma] Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | BCOR Immunostain, BCOR IHC, BCL-6 Corepressor Immunohistochemistry, BCOR-CCNB3 Sarcoma Marker |
| Sample Type | FFPE Tissue Block (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 8 Days |
| Recommended For | Primarily, children and young adults with suspected round cell sarcomas; all ages and both genders, when clinically indicated |
| Price | Starting at ₹8,400 |
What is a BCOR [Sarcoma] Test?
The BCOR [sarcoma] test is a specialised immunohistochemistry (IHC) test that detects the presence of the BCOR protein in tumour tissue. BCOR stands for BCL-6 Corepressor, a protein involved in controlling how certain genes are read in cells. Also known as BCOR IHC or BCOR Immunostain, this test helps pathologists classify specific types of rare soft tissue and bone tumours known as round cell sarcomas. The sample used is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained through a biopsy.
What Does a BCOR [Sarcoma] Test Measure?
The BCOR [sarcoma] test procedure examines two key aspects of tumour tissue staining. Both are assessed by a pathologist looking at the prepared tissue slides under a microscope.
| Parameter | What It Assesses |
|---|---|
| BCOR Nuclear Staining | Whether cell nuclei stain negative, weak, or strongly positive for the BCOR protein |
| Percentage of Positive Cells | The proportion of tumour cells showing BCOR staining; greater than 95% is considered strongly significant |
Strong, diffuse nuclear staining in more than 95% of tumour cells points towards a BCOR-related tumour and is the key finding a pathologist looks for.
Why Is a BCOR [Sarcoma] Test Done?
This test is ordered when a biopsy reveals features that suggest a round cell sarcoma. It helps doctors narrow down the specific tumour type, which is important for planning the right course of care.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Doctors may order the BCOR [sarcoma] test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- A slowly enlarging lump or swelling in the affected area
- Persistent bone pain, particularly if the tumour involves bone
- Tenderness or discomfort around the mass as it grows
- Difficulty moving a nearby limb
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained fever
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A pathologist may use this test to help identify the following tumour types:
- BCOR-CCNB3 sarcoma, a group of small round cell sarcomas with a specific BCOR gene rearrangement that shares features with Ewing sarcoma
- BCOR-rearranged sarcoma, classified by the World Health Organisation in 2020 as a distinct subgroup of undifferentiated small round cell sarcomas
- Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney, the second most common primary kidney tumour in childhood, for which BCOR is an emerging diagnostic marker
- High-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma, a tumour known for its clinically aggressive behaviour
- Other tumours where the BCOR gene changes (rearrangement or internal tandem duplication) need to be distinguished from similar-looking tumours
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on tissue rather than blood or urine, the preparation steps are different from routine diagnostic tests. The key is ensuring that the tissue sample is properly collected and processed before it reaches the laboratory.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. Since the BCOR [sarcoma] test is performed on a tissue block and not on blood or any body fluid, food and drink do not affect the sample or the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your tissue sample is submitted:
- Bring a detailed clinical history report, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Bring any previous histopathology or biopsy reports if they are available
- The tissue block must be fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin; confirm this with your surgeon or collection centre
- Protect the paraffin block and prepared slides from excessive heat during transport
- Paraffin sections are best cut within 6 weeks of embedding to preserve staining quality
- No medications need to be stopped before the test, but inform your doctor of all medicines you are currently taking
Step-by-Step Procedure
The BCOR [sarcoma] test procedure involves several stages from tissue collection to final reporting:
- A qualified surgeon or interventional radiologist obtains a tissue sample through surgical excision or a core needle biopsy from the affected area.
- The tissue specimen is placed in formalin solution to preserve it, then embedded in paraffin wax to create a firm tissue block.
- Thin tissue sections (typically 3 to 5 microns thick) are cut from the block and placed on specially prepared glass slides.
- The slides undergo immunohistochemical staining using a monoclonal antibody, which is a laboratory protein designed to bind specifically to the BCOR protein in the tissue.
- A specialist pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, assessing the pattern, intensity, and extent of nuclear staining.
- The findings are compiled into a pathology report and delivered to the requesting doctor within the turnaround time.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the quality of the staining and, in turn, the test result:
- Age of the cut paraffin section; older sections may show reduced immunoreactivity
- Improper tissue fixation or processing before the block is submitted
- Environmental exposure affects the charge of the glass slides, which can alter staining
- Prior chemotherapy, which may change tumour histology and staining patterns
Understanding Your BCOR [Sarcoma] Test Results
Results from this test are qualitative and must always be reviewed by a qualified pathologist alongside the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic findings. The table below outlines how staining results are generally interpreted.
| Staining Pattern | Percentage of Positive Cells | General Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Diffuse Nuclear Staining | Greater than 95% | Suggestive of BCOR-related tumour |
| Moderate or Focal Staining | 5% to 95% | Requires further clinical correlation |
| Negative or Weak Staining | Less than 5% | Absence of significant BCOR expression |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results are read:
- Synovial sarcoma can show BCOR positivity in approximately 50% of cases, which means a positive result alone is not always specific to BCOR-rearranged sarcomas.
- Focal BCOR staining may appear in other childhood kidney tumours, so small biopsy samples need to be interpreted with extra care.
- Prior chemotherapy can alter tumour tissue and staining patterns, which your pathologist will factor into the final assessment.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this is a diagnostic test for tumour classification rather than a routine health screen, "healthy levels" advice applies in a general sense:
- Attend regular health check-ups as advised by your doctor, especially if you have a family history of sarcomas or related conditions.
- Report any unexplained lumps, persistent swelling, or prolonged bone pain to your healthcare provider promptly.
- Maintain a balanced diet, stay physically active, and avoid smoking to support overall health.
Lupin Diagnostics BCOR [Sarcoma] Test Price
The BCOR [sarcoma] test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹8,400. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test as it requires a professionally processed tissue block rather than a routine blood or urine sample.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 8400 |
| CHENNAI | 8400 |
| HYDERABAD | 8400 |
| KOLKATA | 8400 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 8400 |
| PUNE | 8400 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
The BCOR [sarcoma] test online booking process at Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BCOR [sarcoma] test helps pathologists identify specific types of rare round cell sarcomas that carry BCOR gene changes. It is particularly useful for distinguishing BCOR-rearranged sarcomas from other similar-looking tumours such as Ewing sarcoma. Accurate classification guides doctors in planning the most appropriate management.
This test is most commonly ordered for children and young adults, as BCOR-rearranged sarcomas tend to affect this age group, with a higher occurrence in males. The test is ordered whenever a tissue biopsy shows features suggestive of a small round cell sarcoma, regardless of the patient's age or gender.
No. The BCOR [sarcoma] test is an immunohistochemistry test that detects the BCOR protein in tissue. It acts as a screening tool. If the result is positive, molecular tests such as FISH or PCR are usually performed separately to confirm the presence of the specific gene rearrangement.
The tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy procedure carried out by a surgeon or interventional radiologist. This is different from routine blood or urine tests. The collected tissue is then processed into a paraffin-embedded block before being sent to the laboratory.
Reports from Lupin Diagnostics are typically available within 8 days of sample receipt. Cases that need additional molecular testing for confirmation may take slightly longer, and your doctor will inform you if this applies.
Yes. Some tumours, including a subset of adult kidney sarcomas and synovial sarcomas, can show BCOR positivity by immunohistochemistry even without an underlying BCOR gene rearrangement or internal tandem duplication. This is why molecular confirmation is often recommended after a positive IHC result.
A positive result suggests the presence of a BCOR-related tumour, but it is not a standalone diagnosis. Your doctor will review the result alongside your clinical history, imaging findings, and possibly additional molecular tests before reaching a final diagnosis. All further steps, including any treatment decisions, will be discussed with you by your treating specialist.
BCOR [Sarcoma] Test
