IHC Marker- PMS-2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker- PMS-2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PMS2 IHC Test, PMS2 Immunostain Test, Mismatch Repair Protein PMS2 IHC Test, PMS1 Homologue 2 IHC Test |
| Sample Type | Tumour tissue (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded/FFPE block) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; primarily patients with colorectal, endometrial, or other solid tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker- PMS-2 Test?
The IHC marker- PMS-2 test is a specialised pathology test that checks for the presence or absence of the PMS2 protein in tumour tissue. PMS2 is a DNA mismatch repair (MMR) protein, meaning it plays a role in correcting errors that occur when cells divide. The test is performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), a laboratory technique that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins in tissue samples. It is commonly ordered for patients diagnosed with colorectal, endometrial, or other solid tumours. It is also known as the PMS2 IHC test, PMS2 immunostain test, mismatch repair protein PMS2 IHC test, or PMS1 homologue 2 IHC test.
What Does an IHC Marker- PMS-2 Test Measure?
This test measures the expression of a single protein in tumour tissue. Below is an overview of what is assessed:
| Parameter | What It Means |
|---|---|
| PMS2 Protein Expression | Checks whether the PMS2 mismatch repair protein is present (retained) or absent (lost) in tumour cell nuclei |
PMS2 works alongside another protein called MLH1 to detect and correct errors that arise when cells divide and copy their DNA. If PMS2 is absent, the DNA repair system may not be functioning normally, which is relevant for both cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.
Why is an IHC Marker- PMS-2 Test Done?
Doctors order this test to assess whether a tumour has a functioning DNA mismatch repair system. The result helps guide cancer diagnosis, hereditary risk assessment, and treatment planning.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following situations commonly prompt a doctor to request the IHC marker- PMS-2 test:
- Newly diagnosed colorectal or endometrial cancer
- Family history of colorectal, endometrial, or other hereditary cancers
- Suspected hereditary cancer syndrome such as Lynch syndrome
- Young-onset cancer (cancer diagnosed at an unusually early age)
- Multiple primary cancers occurring in the same individual
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify the following conditions:
- Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC), where isolated loss of PMS2 staining often points to a germline PMS2 gene mutation
- Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumours across multiple cancer types, including colorectal, endometrial, gastric, biliary, pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancers
- Mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) tumours that may respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the IHC marker- PMS-2 test procedure, as the test is performed on tissue already collected via biopsy or surgery. However, there are a few important things to arrange in advance.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You may eat and drink normally before the procedure. However, always follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor for the biopsy procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your test is conducted:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about any prior cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, as these may affect protein expression in the tissue
- Check with your doctor whether a new biopsy is needed or whether previously collected tissue is suitable for this test
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker- PMS-2 test procedure involves the following steps:
- A tissue sample is collected through a biopsy or surgical procedure at a hospital or clinic; the tissue is then fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin to create an FFPE block.
- Thin sections (4 to 5 microns thick) are cut from the FFPE block and mounted on specially coated slides.
- The tissue undergoes antigen retrieval, a heat or enzyme-based process that exposes the target proteins so antibodies can bind to them.
- A primary antibody specific to the PMS2 protein is applied to the slide and allowed to bind to the target.
- A secondary antibody carrying a colour marker is applied; this produces a visible stain wherever PMS2 protein is present.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and records whether PMS2 staining is intact or lost in the tumour cells.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of results:
- Improper tissue fixation or delays between biopsy and formalin processing
- Use of fixatives other than standard 10% neutral-buffered formalin
- Older tissue blocks may show weakened staining
- Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy before the biopsy was taken
- Technical variables such as antibody quality, laboratory procedures, and equipment calibration
Understanding Your IHC Marker- PMS-2 Test Results
A pathologist interprets the staining pattern in the context of your full clinical picture. The table below provides a general overview of what each result means:
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| PMS2 Retained (Positive) | Nuclear staining present; DNA mismatch repair system appears intact (MMR-proficient, pMMR) |
| PMS2 Lost (Negative) | Absent nuclear staining in tumour cells; suggests MMR deficiency (dMMR) |
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 conditions can affect how results are read:
- Prolonged exposure to fixatives may mask or destroy antigens, leading to reduced staining that could be misread as protein loss.
- FFPE tissue blocks older than five years may show weakened staining due to reduced immunoreactivity.
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy may alter PMS2 protein expression patterns in tumour tissue.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
As this test is performed on tumour tissue, "maintaining healthy levels" is not applicable in the usual sense. However, the following general steps are worthwhile after receiving results:
- If Lynch syndrome is identified or suspected, follow your doctor's recommended cancer surveillance schedule consistently.
- Genetic counselling is advised for close family members if a germline PMS2 mutation is confirmed, so they can be assessed for their own risk.
- Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity supports overall health during and after cancer treatment.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker- PMS-2 Test Price
The IHC marker- PMS-2 test cost starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a hospital; home collection is not available, as the sample must be a tumour tissue block or slides obtained through a clinical procedure. The table below shows indicative prices:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1920 |
| CHENNAI | 1920 |
| HYDERABAD | 1920 |
| KOLKATA | 1920 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1920 |
| PUNE | 1920 |
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 for IHC Marker- PMS-2 test online booking:
- 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 (FFPE tissue block or slides as directed by your doctor).
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker- PMS-2 test is an immunohistochemistry test that checks for the presence of the PMS2 protein in tumour tissue. PMS2 is part of the DNA mismatch repair system, and its absence in tumour cells may indicate Lynch syndrome or suggest that a patient may respond well to certain cancer therapies.
This test is recommended for patients with newly diagnosed colorectal or endometrial cancer, those with a strong family history of these cancers, individuals diagnosed with cancer at a young age, and patients with multiple primary cancers. Your oncologist or treating doctor will advise whether this test is appropriate for you.
Report delivery takes up to 7 days at Lupin Diagnostics. The test results are delivered directly via email or WhatsApp.
Isolated loss of PMS2 protein staining, when the other three MMR proteins remain intact, is typically suggestive of a germline PMS2 mutation and an increased risk of Lynch syndrome. If this pattern is found, your doctor may recommend further genetic testing and counselling.
Yes. Tumours with loss of MMR protein expression are classified as mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR). These tumours are often also microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), which means patients may respond well to certain immune checkpoint therapies. Your oncologist will use these findings alongside other clinical information to plan treatment.
No, IHC marker- PMS-2 test home collection is not available. The sample must be tumour tissue obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure at a hospital or clinic. The FFPE tissue block is then submitted to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory for processing.
IHC Marker- PMS-2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
