MGMT Methylation Assay Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About MGMT Methylation Assay Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | MGMT Promoter Methylation Test, O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase Methylation Assay, MGMT Gene Methylation Analysis |
| Sample Type | Tumour tissue (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded FFPE block) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 15 days |
| Recommended For | Adults diagnosed with glioblastoma or high-grade gliomas |
| Price | Starting at ₹9,600 |
What Is an MGMT Methylation Assay Test?
The MGMT Methylation Assay test checks for a specific chemical change in a brain tumour's DNA that can predict how well it will respond to certain chemotherapy drugs. It is performed on tumour tissue removed during surgery or biopsy, not on a blood sample. Doctors use this test primarily for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain tumour. It is also referred to as the MGMT Promoter Methylation Test or MGMT Gene Methylation Analysis.
What Does an MGMT Methylation Assay Test Measure?
This test analyses the MGMT gene, which carries instructions for making a DNA repair enzyme. When this gene is "methylated" (chemically silenced), tumour cells lose the ability to repair DNA damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs, making treatment more effective. The test evaluates the following:
| Parameter | What It Means |
|---|---|
| MGMT Promoter Methylation Status | Whether the MGMT gene promoter has been chemically silenced (methylated) or remains active (unmethylated) |
| DNA Repair Activity | Whether tumour cells can repair DNA damage caused by alkylating chemotherapy agents |
Why Is an MGMT Methylation Assay Test Done?
This test plays a central role in planning treatment for patients with glioblastoma. Knowing the MGMT status allows the treating team to choose a therapy plan best suited to the individual patient.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are associated with glioblastoma and may lead a doctor to recommend this test after a diagnosis is confirmed:
- Persistent headaches, particularly worse in the morning
- Seizures with no prior history
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness or numbness in one side of the body
- Difficulty with balance or coordination
- Confusion or memory problems
- Unexplained fatigue
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
Doctors order this test in the following clinical situations:
- Newly diagnosed glioblastoma, particularly in older adults (above 60 to 65 years)
- High-grade gliomas where alkylating chemotherapy is being considered
- Guiding the choice between temozolomide chemotherapy and radiotherapy in elderly patients who cannot tolerate combined chemoradiation
- Assessing prognosis (likely disease outcome) in glioblastoma patients
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required from the patient before this test, as the tissue sample is collected by a healthcare professional during a surgical or biopsy procedure.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the MGMT Methylation Assay test. The test is performed on tumour tissue, not a blood or urine sample.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your treating surgeon or hospital team that the MGMT Methylation Assay test is required so that adequate tumour tissue is preserved during surgery
- Follow all pre-operative or pre-biopsy instructions given by your surgeon separately
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A neurosurgeon collects a tumour tissue sample during a surgical resection or biopsy of the brain tumour.
- The tissue is preserved in formalin and embedded in paraffin (FFPE block), which is the standard way of storing tumour tissue for molecular testing.
- In the laboratory, DNA is extracted from the FFPE block.
- The DNA undergoes sodium bisulfite modification, a chemical process that distinguishes methylated from unmethylated sections of the gene.
- The laboratory uses MLPA (Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification), a technique that analyses multiple sites in the MGMT promoter region simultaneously.
- Results are reported as "methylated" or "unmethylated" based on the laboratory's validated cutoff values, and the report is dispatched within 15 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the quality or reliability of the test result:
- Low tumour cell content in the tissue sample (less than 40% tumour tissue may make testing unreliable)
- Poor-quality DNA extraction from degraded or poorly preserved FFPE tissue
- Tumour heterogeneity, where different regions of the same tumour may have different characteristics
- Delays or improper handling of the tissue block before it reaches the laboratory
Understanding Your MGMT Methylation Assay Test Results
Results from the MGMT methylation assay test are reported as either methylated or unmethylated. Your treating oncologist will use this result alongside other clinical and molecular findings to plan your care.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Methylated | The MGMT gene is silenced; the tumour is less able to repair DNA damage, and is more likely to respond to alkylating chemotherapy such as temozolomide, associated with better survival outcomes |
| Unmethylated | The MGMT gene is active; the tumour may repair DNA damage more effectively, and may be less responsive to temozolomide; radiotherapy alone may be considered in eligible patients |
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
- The result reflects the methylation status of the specific tissue sample tested and may not represent the entire tumour, as different parts of a tumour can differ from one another.
- Methylation status can potentially change over time or in response to prior treatment, so results should be considered alongside the full clinical picture.
- A methylated result does not guarantee a response to temozolomide, as other molecular factors also influence how a tumour behaves.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The MGMT methylation status is an inherent characteristic of the tumour and cannot be changed through diet or lifestyle. General steps to support your care include:
- Work closely with your neuro-oncologist to understand your results and discuss treatment options
- Ask about eligibility for clinical trials, particularly if the result is unmethylated
- Maintain open communication with your medical team about any new symptoms or changes in your condition
Lupin Diagnostics MGMT Methylation Assay Test Price
The MGMT methylation assay test cost starts at ₹9,600 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of the FFPE tissue block through your treating hospital. Home collection is not applicable for this test, as the tissue sample is obtained during a surgical or biopsy procedure.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 9600 |
| CHENNAI | 9600 |
| HYDERABAD | 9600 |
| KOLKATA | 9600 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 9600 |
| PUNE | 9600 |
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 the MGMT methylation assay 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, or coordinate with your treating hospital to submit the FFPE tissue block directly.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The MGMT methylation assay test is used to determine whether the MGMT gene in a glioblastoma tumour is methylated or unmethylated. This information helps doctors decide whether alkylating chemotherapy, such as temozolomide, is likely to be effective. It is an important tool for personalising brain tumour treatment.
No, this is not a blood test. The MGMT methylation assay test is performed on tumour tissue collected during a surgical procedure or biopsy. The tissue is preserved in an FFPE block, which is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 15 days. Turnaround times may vary depending on tissue quality and laboratory processing. Some laboratories report results in 7 to 10 days, while others may take up to 3 weeks.
A methylated result means the MGMT gene has been chemically silenced, so the tumour cells are less able to repair the DNA damage caused by chemotherapy. This is generally associated with a better response to alkylating chemotherapy and improved survival outcomes when compared to patients with an unmethylated result. Your oncologist will explain what this means for your specific treatment plan.
An unmethylated result means the MGMT gene remains active. The tumour cells may be more capable of repairing DNA damage caused by chemotherapy, which can reduce the effectiveness of alkylating drugs. Your doctor may recommend radiotherapy or discuss other options based on this finding.
No. The methylation status of the MGMT gene is an inherent characteristic of the tumour and cannot be altered through lifestyle choices, diet or supplements. It is determined at the molecular level within the tumour cells themselves.
MGMT methylation testing is particularly recommended for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients, especially older adults, as it directly informs treatment decisions. Clinical guidelines support routine testing given its established value in predicting response to temozolomide chemotherapy and guiding the choice between chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
MGMT Methylation Assay Test: Booking, Price, and Results
