MGMT Methylation Test Glioblastoma Test Cost & Procedure

The methylation status of the MGMT gene impacts whether tumour cells would respond to temozolomide in patients with Glioblastoma multiforme, a severe type of brain tumour.

MGMT: What is it?

An enzyme for DNA repair known as O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) de-alkylates guanines in DNA. Methylation of CpG sites in the MGMT gene's promoter region causes this gene's expression to drop, allowing alkyl guanines to build up and eventually induce DNA damage signalling and cell death when they incorrectly base pair with thymine. 

In addition to predicting higher sensitivity of gliomas to alkylating drugs like BCNU (carmustine), MGMT promoter methylation is also associated with a longer progression-free survival in patients receiving temozolomide.

Describe glioblastoma.

Even though the local brain tissue is penetrated, the infection usually does not spread to other nearby organs.

GBMs can arise from existing brain tumours or low-grade astrocytomas. GBM most typically develops in the cerebral hemispheres of adults, particularly the frontal and temporal lobes. Because GBM is a fatal brain cancer that, if ignored, can result in death in six months or less, it is essential to seek specialised neuro-oncological and neurosurgical care as soon as possible. Overall survival may be impacted by this.

Why is this examination suggested?

Newly discovered glioblastoma prognosis

choosing recently discovered glioblastomas that would react to alkylating chemotherapy (ie, temozolomide)

Making decisions about treatment for older people with newly diagnosed glioblastomas

Procedure

• purification and extraction of DNA.
•  treatment using bisulfite.
• MGMT gene promoter region methylation-specific PCR for chosen areas.
• Specimen A paraffin block or 10 tumour slices (4-5 microns thick) are required. (15 sections for small biopsies).