Validation of ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart FISH Probe probe in non-small-cell lung cancer

Sun Min Lim1, Hyun Chang2, Yoon Jin Cha3

  • 1Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.

Abstract

Insights

The Vysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart Probe Kit effectively detects ALK and ROS1 gene rearrangements in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This validated kit aids in identifying patients who can benefit from targeted ALK/ROS1 inhibitor therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and ROS1 gene rearrangements define distinct molecular subsets of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • These rearrangements are critical predictive biomarkers for response to ALK/ROS1 inhibitors, such as crizotinib.
  • Effective screening strategies are essential for identifying NSCLC patients who will benefit from targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To validate the analytical performance of the Vysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart Probe Kit (RUO) for detecting ALK and ROS1 rearrangements in NSCLC.
  • To assess the concordance of the Vysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart Probe Kit with existing FISH probe kits for ALK and ROS1.
  • To evaluate the simultaneous detection capability of the Vysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart Probe Kit.

Main Methods:

  • Study population included 41 patients with histologically confirmed lung adenocarcinoma: 12 ALK-positive, 8 ROS1-positive, and 21 ALK/ROS1 wild-type.
  • Specimens were formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples previously assessed for ALK and ROS1 rearrangement status.
  • All specimens were re-evaluated using the Vysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart Probe Kit, with FISH images scanned and interpreted remotely.

Main Results:

  • The Vysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart Probe Kit demonstrated high concordance with established methods.
  • For ALK rearrangements, 100% concordance was observed in 10 successfully evaluated cases (83% success rate).
  • For ROS1 rearrangements, 100% concordance was observed in 6 successfully evaluated cases (75% success rate).
  • In wild-type cases, the success rate was 85% (18/21) with 100% concordance.

Conclusions:

  • The Vysis ALK/ROS1 Dual Break Apart Probe Kit is a reliable tool for simultaneous detection of ALK and ROS1 rearrangements in NSCLC.
  • The kit shows strong analytical performance and concordance with existing FISH assays.
  • This validated kit can aid in the clinical screening of NSCLC patients for targeted therapy selection.

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