EGFR FISH Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About EGFR FISH Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | EGFR gene amplification by FISH, EGFR oncology FISH, EGFR gene copy number FISH |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting is required |
| Report Time | 10 days |
| Recommended For | Patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, colorectal cancer, or other cancers where EGFR status guides treatment decisions |
| Price | Starting at ₹15,840 |
What Is an EGFR FISH Test?
The EGFR FISH test is a specialised laboratory analysis that examines tumour tissue for changes in the EGFR gene (epidermal growth factor receptor), a gene involved in cell growth and division. FISH stands for fluorescence in situ hybridisation, a technique that uses fluorescent probes to identify specific DNA sequences under a microscope. The test is also known as EGFR gene amplification by FISH or EGFR oncology FISH. Doctors typically order this test when a cancer diagnosis has been confirmed and they need to understand whether EGFR gene changes are present to guide treatment planning.
What Does an EGFR FISH Test Measure?
The EGFR FISH test examines tumour tissue at a genetic level. It analyses three key elements that together help determine EGFR status.
| Parameter | What It Measure |
|---|---|
| EGFR gene copy number | The number of copies of the EGFR gene present in tumour cells; an increased count may indicate amplification or extra chromosomes. |
| EGFR/CEP7 ratio | The ratio of EGFR gene signals to chromosome 7 centromere signals helps distinguish true gene amplification from polysomy (extra whole chromosomes). |
| Chromosome 7 polysomy | The presence of extra copies of the entire chromosome 7, rather than just the EGFR gene being duplicated. |
Why Is an EGFR FISH Test Done?
This test is ordered as part of cancer workup when a doctor needs to assess EGFR gene status before selecting a treatment approach. Below are the situations where this test is commonly recommended.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms, when assessed in the context of a cancer diagnosis, may lead a doctor to request this test:
- Persistent cough that does not resolve with standard treatment
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Coughing up blood
- Neurological symptoms such as headaches, vision changes, or seizures in patients with a brain tumour
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
Doctors use the EGFR FISH test to evaluate EGFR gene status in several cancer types:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where EGFR gene copy number helps guide treatment selection
- Glioblastoma and other high-grade brain tumours, where EGFR amplification is a characteristic genetic alteration
- Metastatic colorectal cancer, where EGFR copy number may indicate suitability for EGFR-targeted therapy
- Other solid tumours being assessed for EGFR-targeted treatment options
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Since this test is performed on tumour tissue collected during a biopsy or surgery, patient preparation is different from a routine blood test. The information below covers what to keep in mind before and during the process.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The sample is tumour tissue, not blood or urine, so food and drink do not affect the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help ensure a seamless testing process:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, as some may be relevant to your overall cancer management.
- Bring any previous biopsy reports, imaging results, or pathology slides to your appointment.
- Confirm with your doctor that a suitable tumour tissue block or slides are available, as adequate tumour cell content is essential for an accurate result.
- The tissue block should be kept away from excessive heat and handled carefully during transport.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is how the tissue processing and laboratory examination are conducted:
- A tumour tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure performed by a qualified medical professional in a clinical setting.
- The tissue is preserved in formalin and embedded in paraffin to create an FFPE block, which is then transported to the laboratory at ambient temperature.
- In the laboratory, thin sections of the tissue are cut and mounted on specially treated slides to keep them in place during analysis.
- Fluorescent DNA probes are applied to the tissue sections. These probes bind to specific regions of the EGFR gene and chromosome 7, labelling them with distinct fluorescent signals.
- A trained pathologist examines the slides under a fluorescence microscope, counting the EGFR and centromere signals in approximately 100 tumour cells.
- The signals are scored, and the result is classified using established criteria to determine whether the EGFR gene copy number is within normal limits or elevated.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain technical and biological variables may influence the accuracy of FISH results:
- Insufficient tumour cell content in the tissue sample
- Improper tissue fixation or processing before laboratory analysis
- Technical challenges in performing FISH on certain tissue types
- Complex signal patterns caused by variation within the tumour itself (known as intratumour heterogeneity)
- The experience and training of the pathologist interpreting the slides
- Adherence to laboratory quality standards and standardisation protocols
Understanding Your EGFR FISH Test Results
EGFR FISH results are classified according to established scoring criteria and are interpreted together with pathology findings, molecular test results, and the patient's clinical condition. The table below outlines the possible result categories and what they generally indicate.
| Result Category | Meaning | What it suggests |
|---|---|---|
| FISH negative | No extra EGFR gene increase | EGFR gene is normal or not significantly increased |
| FISH positive (high polysomy) | Extra copies of chromosome causing EGFR increase | Mild-moderate increase in EGFR due to extra chromosome 7 |
| FISH positive (gene amplification) | Strong increase in EGFR gene | True EGFR overgrowth (gene is multiplied abnormally) |
Disclaimer: Your doctor will interpret the results together with tumour histology, EGFR mutation testing, other biomarker results, imaging findings, and your overall clinical picture to determine their significance and guide treatment decisions.
Results During Special Conditions
In some cases, the distinction between true EGFR gene amplification and chromosome 7 polysomy can be difficult to establish clearly, because tumour cells may show complex signal patterns.
Variation in genetic changes within different parts of the same tumour can make interpretation challenging and may require additional specialist review.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because EGFR gene status reflects the genetic makeup of tumour cells, it cannot be changed through lifestyle choices. General cancer care principles that support overall wellbeing include:
- Following your oncologist's recommended treatment and monitoring plan consistently.
- Maintaining adequate nutrition and rest to support your body during cancer treatment.
- Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments so your doctor can track your response to treatment.
Lupin Diagnostics EGFR FISH Test Price
The EGFR FISH test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹15,840. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available due to the specialised nature of sample collection.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 15840 |
| CHENNAI | 15840 |
| HYDERABAD | 15840 |
| KOLKATA | 15840 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 15840 |
| PUNE | 15840 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your EGFR FISH test online with Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time. Ensure your FFPE tissue block or biopsy material is ready for submission as per your doctor's instructions.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The EGFR FISH test is used to detect changes in the EGFR gene within tumour cells, specifically looking at how many copies of the gene are present. Doctors use this information to understand whether a patient's cancer is likely to respond to EGFR-targeted therapies. It is most commonly ordered for lung, brain, and colorectal cancers.
The sample required is tumour tissue, not blood. This tissue is obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure carried out by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic. The tissue is then fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
A FISH-positive result indicates an increased EGFR gene copy number due to gene amplification or high polysomy. Depending on the type of cancer, this information may provide additional insights into tumour biology and can sometimes help guide treatment decisions. The clinical significance of EGFR FISH results varies between cancer types and should always be interpreted alongside other molecular and pathological findings.
No, these are two different tests. The EGFR FISH test measures how many copies of the EGFR gene are present in tumour cells, while EGFR mutation testing looks for specific changes in the DNA sequence of the gene. Both provide different information and may be ordered together depending on the clinical situation.
The report for the EGFR FISH test is typically delivered within 10 days. This is because the test involves detailed laboratory processing, fluorescent probe hybridisation, and careful microscopic analysis by a specialist pathologist.
This test requires tumour tissue, which can only be collected through a biopsy or surgical procedure performed by trained medical professionals in a clinical setting. Because of this, home sample collection is not possible. You will need to visit a Lupin Diagnostics centre or arrange for your existing tissue block to be submitted through your doctor.
The EGFR FISH test is most frequently used for non-small cell lung cancer and brain tumours such as glioblastoma. It is also used in metastatic colorectal cancer and other solid tumours where EGFR-targeted therapy is being considered as part of the treatment plan.
EGFR FISH Test: Booking, Price, and Results
