MGMT Methylation Test-Glioblastoma Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About MGMT Methylation Test-Glioblastoma Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | MGMT Promoter Methylation Assay, O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase Methylation Test, MGMT Gene Methylation Test |
| Sample Type | FFPE Tissue Block (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumour tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No. This test is performed on tumour tissue, not blood |
| Report Time | 15 Days |
| Recommended For | Adults diagnosed with glioblastoma or high-grade gliomas; particularly useful in treatment planning for older adults, often those aged 65 years and above |
| Price | Starting at ₹9,600 |
What Is an MGMT Methylation Test-Glioblastoma Test?
The MGMT Methylation Test-Glioblastoma test checks whether a specific gene in brain tumour tissue has been chemically switched off. This gene, called MGMT (O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase), produces an enzyme that helps tumour cells resist certain chemotherapy drugs. Knowing whether this gene is active or silenced helps doctors choose the most suitable treatment for glioblastoma.
The test is also known as the MGMT Promoter Methylation Assay or Temozolomide Resistance Test. It is performed on a tumour tissue sample, not a blood sample, and is ordered after a brain tumour diagnosis is confirmed.
What Does an MGMT Methylation Test-Glioblastoma Test Measure?
This test analyses the MGMT gene's promoter region in tumour tissue to assess its methylation status. Here is what each component of the analysis means:
| Component | What It Assesses |
|---|---|
| MGMT Gene Methylation Status | Whether the MGMT gene is switched off (methylated) or active (unmethylated) in the tumour |
| CpG Site Methylation | Chemical modifications at specific sites in the MGMT promoter region that silence gene activity |
| Methylation Fraction Abundance | The proportion of methylated DNA at key sites within the promoter, used to classify the result |
When the MGMT promoter is methylated, tumour cells generally produce lower levels of the MGMT repair enzyme. As a result, they may be less able to repair DNA damage caused by alkylating chemotherapy drugs such as temozolomide, potentially improving treatment response.
Why Is an MGMT Methylation Test-Glioblastoma Test Done?
Doctors order this test to guide treatment decisions in patients diagnosed with glioblastoma or other high-grade brain tumours. The result directly influences which therapy is most likely to benefit the patient.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The test is ordered after a brain tumour diagnosis, not based on symptoms alone. The following symptoms commonly lead to investigation and eventual tumour diagnosis:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Confusion or memory problems
- Seizures with no prior history
- Weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis)
- Difficulty with speech (aphasia)
- Personality or behavioural changes
- Nausea and difficulty concentrating
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The MGMT Methylation test for Glioblastoma does not detect conditions on its own; rather, it provides information that guides treatment after a glioblastoma diagnosis. It is relevant in the following situations:
- Newly diagnosed glioblastoma (CNS WHO Grade 4)
- Selected high-grade gliomas (CNS WHO Grades 3 and 4) where molecular profiling may assist treatment planning
- Treatment planning for elderly patients (aged 65 years and above) with glioblastoma
- Assessing potential benefit from alkylating chemotherapy in low-grade glioma and oligodendroglioma
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Since this test uses tumour tissue collected during a surgical procedure, there is no personal preparation required by the patient for the test itself. Your neurosurgeon and oncology team will guide you through the steps.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is performed on tumour tissue obtained during a biopsy or surgery, not on a blood sample. Any preparation needed relates to the surgical procedure, which your doctor will explain separately.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before the tissue sample is submitted for testing:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any prior treatments, as this is required for the test.
- Ensure the pathology report from the biopsy or surgery accompanies the tissue specimen.
- Inform your doctor about any treatments already received for the brain tumour, as prior therapy may influence the interpretation of molecular test results.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the tissue sample is collected and processed for the MGMT Methylation Test-Glioblastoma test procedure:
- A neurosurgeon obtains tumour tissue during a craniotomy (open brain surgery) or a stereotactic biopsy under imaging guidance.
- The tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin to create an FFPE block, which preserves the sample for molecular analysis.
- DNA is extracted from the FFPE block in the laboratory.
- The DNA undergoes sodium bisulfite modification, which converts unmethylated DNA differently from methylated DNA, allowing the two types to be distinguished.
- The laboratory uses a technique called MLPA (Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification) to analyse the MGMT gene promoter region for methylation.
- Results are reported as methylated or unmethylated, along with quantitative methylation data, and sent to your oncologist.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence the reliability of the test result:
- Prior treatment received before the biopsy, which may alter the tumour's molecular characteristics
- Insufficient tumour content in the tissue sample, which may reduce the reliability of molecular analysis
- Tumour heterogeneity, meaning different parts of the tumour may have different methylation profiles
- Poor tissue fixation or use of decalcified specimens
Understanding Your MGMT Methylation Test-Glioblastoma Test Results
Your oncologist will review the result in the context of your full clinical picture, including tumour grade, imaging findings, and overall health. The table below explains what each possible result generally means.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Methylated | The MGMT gene is silenced; the tumour is likely more sensitive to temozolomide chemotherapy; generally associated with a better prognosis |
| Unmethylated | The MGMT gene is active; the tumour may be resistant to temozolomide; other treatment strategies may be considered |
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 make the result more difficult to interpret. Your oncologist will take these into account:
- Tumour heterogeneity means the methylation status in the tested sample may not reflect the status across the entire tumour, as different regions can behave differently.
- Methylation status may potentially change over time or following treatment, which is why results are most meaningful when interpreted at the time of initial diagnosis.
- A methylated result is not an absolute guarantee of response to temozolomide, as other molecular factors also influence how a tumour responds to chemotherapy.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The MGMT methylation status of a tumour is a fixed characteristic of the tumour cells and cannot be altered through diet or lifestyle. The following steps are practical after receiving your result:
- Discuss your result in detail with your neuro-oncologist to understand all available treatment options.
- Seek a second opinion at a specialised neuro-oncology centre if you wish to explore additional perspectives on your treatment plan.
- Maintain open communication with your care team about any new symptoms or changes in your condition.
Lupin Diagnostics MGMT Methylation Test-Glioblastoma Test Price
The MGMT Methylation Test-Glioblastoma test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹9,600. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available, as the test is performed on an FFPE tissue block obtained during a surgical or biopsy procedure.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 9600 |
| CHENNAI | 9600 |
| HYDERABAD | 9600 |
| KOLKATA | 9600 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 9600 |
| PUNE | 9600 |
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 the MGMT Methylation Test-Glioblastoma test online or at a centre:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to submit the FFPE tissue block along with the required clinical history and pathology documentation.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 15 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The MGMT Methylation Test for Glioblastoma checks whether the MGMT gene in brain tumour tissue has been chemically silenced, a state called methylation. This information tells oncologists how likely the tumour is to respond to a common chemotherapy drug called temozolomide. It is one of the most important molecular tests in glioblastoma management.
The result directly guides which therapy is most suitable for a patient. If the MGMT gene is methylated, temozolomide chemotherapy is more likely to be effective. If it is unmethylated, alternative treatment approaches may produce better outcomes, particularly in elderly patients where radiotherapy alone may be preferred.
The sample is not collected from blood. A neurosurgeon obtains tumour tissue during brain surgery (craniotomy) or a stereotactic biopsy. The tissue is then fixed and embedded in paraffin to create an FFPE block, which is submitted to the laboratory for the MGMT Methylation Test-Glioblastoma test procedure.
A methylated result means the MGMT gene is switched off in the tumour cells. This reduces the tumour's ability to repair damage from alkylating chemotherapy, making drugs like temozolomide more likely to work. Patients with a methylated MGMT promoter have generally shown longer survival compared to those with an unmethylated result.
An unmethylated result means the MGMT gene remains active. The tumour is more likely to resist temozolomide chemotherapy. Your oncologist will discuss alternative treatment options based on this finding, and clinical trials may also be considered.
Yes, in most cases an existing FFPE tissue block from a prior biopsy or surgery can be used, provided the block contains sufficient tumour tissue (at least 20 to 40% tumour nuclei). Speak to your oncologist or contact Lupin Diagnostics to confirm whether your stored sample meets the quality requirements.
MGMT Methylation Test-Glioblastoma Test: Booking, Price, and Results
