IHC Marker - NUT-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - NUT-1 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | NUT-1 IHC, Nuclear Protein in Testis Immunohistochemistry, NUT Carcinoma Marker, NUTM1 IHC, NUT Midline Carcinoma (NMC) Test |
| Sample Type | Tissue biopsy (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | All genders, all age groups, particularly in patients with poorly differentiated midline tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - NUT-1 Test?
The NUT-1 Test is a specialised immunohistochemistry (IHC) test that detects abnormal expression of the Nuclear Protein in Testis (NUT) in tissue samples. Under normal circumstances, this protein is only found in germ cells of the testis and ovary. When it appears elsewhere in the body, it may signal a specific and rare form of cancer. The test is also known as NUT-1 IHC or NUTM1 IHC, and it is performed on a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained from a biopsy or surgical procedure.
What Does an IHC Marker - NUT-1 Test Measure?
The NUT-1 IHC test examines tissue sections for three key findings. Here is what each one tells a pathologist:
| What Is Measured | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| NUT protein expression | Whether the NUT protein is present in tumour cells outside its normal location |
| Nuclear staining pattern | Whether tumour cell nuclei show the characteristic diffuse, speckled staining linked to NUT carcinoma |
| Percentage of positive tumour nuclei | A result of more than 50% positive nuclei is required for a definitive diagnosis of NUT carcinoma |
Why is an IHC Marker - NUT-1 Test Done?
Doctors request this test when a tissue sample shows signs of a poorly differentiated tumour (one in which the cancer cells look very unlike normal cells) in midline regions of the body. The following information explains when and why the NUT-1 Test procedure is used.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Patients referred for this test often present with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Rapidly growing mass in the head, neck, chest, or nasal area
- Persistent cough or shortness of breath
- Nasal congestion or blockage
- Localised pain in the affected region
- Unexplained fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever or night sweats
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- Loss of sense of smell
- Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
- Sinus pressure or facial pain
- Vision changes
- Eye bulging (proptosis)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test helps identify or rule out the following conditions:
- NUT carcinoma — a rare, aggressive cancer caused by the rearrangement of the NUTM1 gene
- Poorly differentiated carcinomas of the head, neck, lung, and mediastinum (the chest cavity between the lungs)
- Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) — a tumour arising in the nasal and sinus region that can mimic NUT carcinoma
- Other tumours frequently confused with NUT carcinoma, including Ewing sarcoma, thymic carcinoma, and neuroblastoma
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test does not require any special preparation on the patient's part, as it is performed on a tissue sample rather than a blood or urine sample. The steps below explain what the process involves.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. The NUT-1 Test procedure is carried out on a tissue biopsy sample, so dietary restrictions do not apply.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure the process goes smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Carry any prior biopsy reports and imaging studies (such as CT or MRI scans) to help the pathologist review your case.
- Ensure the tissue block or biopsy sample is properly labelled before handing it over to the laboratory.
- A doctor's prescription or referral is required for this specialised test; confirm this with your treating doctor in advance.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A doctor performs a biopsy or surgical procedure to collect the tissue sample from the affected area.
- The tissue is fixed in formalin (a preserving solution) and embedded in paraffin wax to form a solid block, often called an FFPE block.
- The laboratory uses a precision instrument called a microtome to cut very thin sections from the block and places them on glass slides.
- The tissue sections are processed through deparaffinisation (removal of wax), antigen retrieval (a step that makes proteins accessible), and blocking steps.
- The slides are treated with the NUT C52B1 monoclonal antibody, which binds to the NUT protein if it is present and makes it visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the slides for a diffuse, speckled nuclear staining pattern and calculates the percentage of stained tumour nuclei to arrive at a diagnosis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of the test result:
- Quality of tissue fixation (how well the specimen was preserved after collection)
- Adequacy of antigen retrieval during laboratory processing
- Length of time between tissue collection and laboratory processing
- Concentration and specificity of the antibody used
- Expertise of the pathologist reviewing the slides
Understanding Your IHC Marker - NUT-1 Test Results
Results from this test must always be reviewed by a pathologist and an oncologist in the context of your clinical history, imaging findings, and other test results. The table below outlines what different staining outcomes typically indicate:
| Staining Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative (less than 5% of tumour nuclei staining) | NUT carcinoma is unlikely |
| Positive (more than 50% of tumour nuclei with diffuse, speckled nuclear staining) | Strongly supports a diagnosis of NUT carcinoma |
| Focal weak staining (less than 5%) | May occur in some germ cell tumours or nonspecific staining; does not support NUT carcinoma |
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 interpreted:
- Faint staining may occasionally appear in germ cell tumours (such as seminoma or dysgerminoma) and in liver cells (hepatocytes). This is due to the normal presence of the NUT protein in these tissues and does not indicate NUT carcinoma.
- NUT overexpression may also be seen in rare conditions, such as porocarcinoma (a type of skin cancer) that carries a different gene change called YAP1-NUTM1 fusion. A pathologist familiar with these patterns will account for this when interpreting your result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this is a diagnostic test for a specific cancer, there are no lifestyle changes that alter the staining outcome. The following points are relevant to your overall care:
- Attend all follow-up appointments promptly if an abnormality is detected, as early specialist involvement is important.
- Share your complete medical history, previous test reports, and imaging results with your oncologist to support an accurate diagnosis.
- Ask your doctor about clinical trial availability if NUT carcinoma is confirmed, as specialised treatment options may be accessible through research programmes.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - NUT-1 Test Price
The NUT-1 Test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available because the test is performed on a tissue biopsy block obtained through a medical procedure. The city-wise pricing information below is based on aggregator data for single IHC marker tests and is provided for reference:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1300 |
| CHENNAI | 1300 |
| HYDERABAD | 1300 |
| KOLKATA | 1300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1300 |
| PUNE | 1300 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to submit your FFPE tissue block or tissue sample.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NUT-1 Test is used to detect abnormal expression of the Nuclear Protein in Testis in tumour tissue. A positive result strongly suggests NUT carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by the rearrangement of the NUTM1 gene. It is particularly useful when a tissue biopsy shows a poorly differentiated tumour in the midline region of the body.
This test is recommended for patients whose biopsy shows a poorly differentiated, midline tumour that does not stain positively for typical lineage markers. This includes patients with sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma and poorly differentiated carcinomas of the head, neck, chest, or nasal regions.
When used to diagnose NUT carcinoma among non-germ cell tumours, the NUT-1 IHC test has a reported sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 100%. This means a positive result is highly reliable, while a negative result largely rules out the condition in most non-germ cell tumour cases.
A positive result means that more than 50% of the tumour cells examined show diffuse, speckled nuclear staining. This finding strongly suggests a diagnosis of NUT carcinoma. A specialist oncologist will review this result alongside imaging and clinical findings before confirming a diagnosis and discussing next steps.
No, home collection is not available for this test. The sample required is a tissue biopsy block, which must be obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure performed in a clinical setting. The block is then submitted directly to a Lupin Diagnostics centre.
Results are typically available within 7 days after the tissue block reaches the laboratory. Processing time may vary slightly depending on sample quality and laboratory workload. You will receive your report digitally once it is ready.
The IHC analysis itself carries no risk, as it is performed on a tissue sample that has already been collected. Any risks are associated with the biopsy or surgical procedure used to obtain the sample, and your treating doctor will explain those to you before the procedure.
IHC Marker - NUT-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
