NGS Mini Glioma Cancer Panel [4 DNA]
About NGS Mini Glioma Cancer Panel [4 DNA]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | 4-Gene Glioma DNA Panel, Glioma Molecular Diagnostic Panel, Mini Glioma NGS Panel |
| Sample Type | Tumour tissue (FFPE block from biopsy or surgical resection) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 30 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children with suspected or confirmed glioma; used post-biopsy or surgery for tumour classification and prognosis |
| Price | Starting at ₹14,400 |
What Is an NGS Mini Glioma Cancer Panel [4 DNA]?
The NGS Mini Glioma Cancer Panel [4 DNA] is a specialised molecular test that examines tumour tissue for genetic mutations in four key genes linked to glioma, a type of brain or spinal cord tumour. Also called a 4-Gene Glioma DNA Panel or Glioma Molecular Diagnostic Panel, it uses Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), a technology that reads DNA rapidly and with high accuracy. The test is prescribed by neuro-oncologists after a biopsy or surgery to classify the tumour type and guide further clinical decisions. Tumour tissue preserved as an FFPE (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded) block is used as the sample.
What Does an NGS Mini Glioma Cancer Panel [4 DNA] Measure?
This Glioma Molecular Diagnostic Panel analyses DNA extracted from tumour tissue to detect mutations in four specific genes. Each gene plays a distinct role in how a glioma behaves and is classified.
The four genes examined are listed below:
| Gene | What It Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| IDH1 | Encodes the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 | Mutations here help classify glioma subtype and are linked to a generally better outcome |
| IDH2 | Similar function to IDH1 | Mutations alter enzyme activity and DNA patterns; less common than IDH1 mutations |
| TP53 | A tumour suppressor gene that controls cell growth | Mutations disable its protective role; frequently seen in astrocytomas |
| ATRX | Maintains the protective ends of chromosomes (telomeres) | Loss of this gene's function suggests astrocytic lineage and activates an abnormal telomere-maintenance process |
Why Is an NGS Mini Glioma Cancer Panel [4 DNA] Done?
This 4-Gene Glioma DNA Panel is requested when a patient has a brain or spinal cord tumour and tissue has been obtained via biopsy or surgery. It helps classify the tumour type precisely, which directly influences prognosis and clinical planning.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend brain tumour investigation, and subsequently this test, when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Seizures with no prior history
- Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
- Sudden changes in behaviour or personality
- Nausea and vomiting without a clear cause
- Confusion or declining ability to process information
- Problems with speech, vision, or movement
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps classify several specific glioma types. The conditions it can help identify include the following:
- Astrocytoma (IDH-mutant), WHO grade 2, 3, or 4
- Oligodendroglioma (distinguished from astrocytoma using ATRX status)
- Glioblastoma (IDH-wildtype versus IDH-mutant classification)
- Other diffuse gliomas requiring molecular characterisation for accurate diagnosis
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test uses tumour tissue rather than a blood or urine sample, preparation differs from routine diagnostic tests. The key steps involve ensuring the right tissue sample is available and properly preserved.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The sample is tumour tissue collected during a surgical procedure or biopsy, so dietary restrictions do not apply.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Before the test is carried out, keep the following points in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous imaging reports, previous test results, and any earlier pathology findings, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications before the biopsy procedure.
- Confirm with your surgeon that sufficient tumour tissue will be collected, as very small samples may not yield enough DNA for reliable results.
- Ensure the tissue is properly preserved using FFPE (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded) methods, as this is the standard approach for archival storage and molecular testing.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Tumour tissue is obtained by a neurosurgeon through stereotactic biopsy (using a needle to extract a small sample) or during surgical removal of the tumour.
- The tissue is processed and preserved as an FFPE block, the standard format for molecular testing.
- The FFPE block is sent to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory in appropriate ambient-temperature packaging.
- DNA is extracted from the tumour cells within the tissue sample.
- Next-Generation Sequencing is performed, reading multiple genes simultaneously to generate a detailed mutational profile.
- Results are reviewed and interpreted by molecular pathologists, and a report is issued within 30 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of the test result:
- Tumour cellularity (the proportion of cancer cells in the sample): a low proportion may reduce sensitivity
- DNA quality: degraded DNA from poorly preserved tissue can affect sequencing accuracy
- Sample size: very small tissue samples may not contain sufficient DNA
- Tissue preservation method: proper FFPE preparation is essential for reliable results
- Sequencing depth: the extent to which the genome is read during the NGS process
Understanding Your NGS Mini Glioma Cancer Panel [4 DNA] Results
Results should always be reviewed with a specialist, ideally a neuro-oncologist or neuropathologist, alongside imaging findings and histopathological (tissue under microscope) reports. This test does not produce numerical values; instead, it reports each gene as either "Mutation Detected" or "Not Detected."
| Gene | Normal Finding | Mutation Finding | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDH1 | Wild-type (Not Detected) | Mutation Detected | IDH-mutant glioma; generally associated with better prognosis |
| IDH2 | Wild-type (Not Detected) | Mutation Detected | Also indicates IDH-mutant status; less common than IDH1 |
| TP53 | Wild-type (Not Detected) | Mutation Detected | Frequently seen in astrocytomas; associated with tumour progression |
| ATRX | Retained (Not Detected) | Loss Detected | Suggests astrocytic lineage; important for distinguishing astrocytoma from oligodendroglioma |
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.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test is performed on tumour tissue and is not a routine monitoring test with adjustable levels. General brain health tips, while not specific to glioma prevention, include the following:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support overall health during treatment.
- Stay adequately hydrated and get regular rest, particularly during and after surgical recovery.
- Attend all follow-up appointments and share your complete test reports with your treating specialist.
Lupin Diagnostics NGS Mini Glioma Cancer Panel [4 DNA] Price and Home Collection
The NGS Mini Glioma Cancer Panel [4 DNA] is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹14,400. Home collection is available, subject to tissue pickup arrangements from your treating hospital or surgical centre.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 14400 |
| CHENNAI | 14400 |
| HYDERABAD | 14400 |
| KOLKATA | 14400 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 14400 |
| PUNE | 14400 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers a tissue block pickup facility across cities, coordinating directly with the patient's hospital or surgical centre for FFPE sample collection. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories staffed by qualified molecular pathologists. Digital reports are delivered via email or WhatsApp once ready.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified representative, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre to arrange FFPE block submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Glioma is a tumour that begins in the brain or spinal cord, arising from glial cells that support and surround nerve cells. Molecular testing is important because different glioma subtypes look similar under a microscope but behave very differently. Identifying the specific genetic profile helps doctors classify the tumour accurately, understand its likely behaviour, and plan appropriate management.
An IDH mutation (in either IDH1 or IDH2) is generally associated with a better outcome compared to IDH-wildtype tumours. Patients with IDH-mutant gliomas tend to have longer survival times. IDH-wildtype tumours, such as most glioblastomas, are generally more aggressive and carry a less favourable prognosis.
The sample is tumour tissue obtained during a brain biopsy or surgical procedure performed by a neurosurgeon. The tissue is then preserved as an FFPE block. Home collection in this context means that a Lupin Diagnostics representative can arrange pickup of the preserved block from your hospital; it does not involve a home blood draw.
Loss of ATRX expression in tumour tissue suggests an astrocytic lineage and activates an alternative process for maintaining chromosome ends. This finding, particularly when combined with IDH and TP53 mutations, supports a diagnosis of IDH-mutant astrocytoma and helps distinguish it from oligodendroglioma.
The report for this 4-Gene Glioma DNA Panel is typically available within 30 days. This reflects the complex multi-step process involved: DNA extraction, next-generation sequencing, data analysis, and expert interpretation by molecular pathologists.
This panel primarily aids in tumour classification and prognosis rather than directly predicting chemotherapy response. IDH-mutant status is associated with better overall survival across several glioma types. However, predicting response to specific agents such as temozolomide relies more on MGMT methylation testing, which is a separate, additional test not included in this 4-gene panel.
Yes. Gliomas can occur in both adults and children, and the genetic mutations tested in this panel are clinically relevant across age groups. IDH mutations are found in approximately 5 to 15 percent of paediatric gliomas. The test can be performed on tumour tissue from paediatric patients when a doctor considers it clinically appropriate.
NGS Mini Glioma Cancer Panel [4 DNA]
