With GliomArray we focus on the 5 genes that statistically show the most common genetic instability in a glioblastoma.

The panel consists of the BRAF, MGMT, PIK3CA, IDH1/2 genes.

Consult your Oncologist to get the best possible choice for you and personalized treatment. Further personalization of exams is possible.

By analyzing multiple genes simultaneously, this test offers a detailed molecular profile of the glioblastoma, on the basis of which your clinician (oncologist) will choose the optimal treatment for you individually.

For example, the promoter of the O6-methylguanuanine methyltransferase gene (MGMT) is an important indicator of glioblastoma. The product of the MGMT gene, an enzyme, repairs DNA damage. High levels of this enzyme in tumors cause resistance to chemotherapy with alkylating agents, such as temozolomide. When the MGMT promoter appears methylated, the gene is deactivated, making cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy.

GliomArray is performed on the biopsy material or surgical specimen (paraffin blocks) on which your histological examination was performed as well.

At our vertically integrated Laboratory, we handle your sample in such a way as to minimize its unnecessary waste:

• The paraffin block is positioned once in the microtome to obtain tissue sections by experienced histotechnologists.
• Tissue sections are sequentially acquired in such a way as to provide immunohistochemistry diagnosis if required.
• Ensure maintenance of tissue sections for further molecular testing.
• Pathologists perform microdissection, in order to ensure the highest possible amount of cancer cells, removing all other necrotic cells or normal tissue that could affect the validity of the results.
• Directly, the molecular biologist treats the tissue in a completely controlled environment with next-generation sequencing (NGS), or polymerase chain reaction of real-time (Real-time PCR) for the detection of mutations in genes of interest, or by immunohistochemistry method (IHC) on a certified platform.

The number and type of mutations examined are updated through a dynamic process according to current scientific research. It should, therefore, be recognized that there is a possibility the list of genes in the order form may have changed (genes added or removed) while analyzing the sample in the laboratory.

The classic treatment involves surgical removal, if possible, followed by postoperative radiotherapy, with the addition of chemotherapy to the majority of patients. Supportive therapeutic agents, such as antiepileptics and corticosteroids, are also prescribed. Finally, there are targeted therapies (against gene mutations).

Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive type of primary brain tumor. There are two types of glioblastoma, depending on the mechanism of pathogenicity:

–Primary glioblastoma: a rapidly evolving malignancy that occurs in people over the age of 50. It concerns 60% of cases.

–Secondary glioblastoma: caused by low malignant glioma and occurs in young people. It concerns 40% of cases.

Despite their malignant nature, glioblastomas are extremely rare to be spread to the rest of the body.

Most glioblastomas do not seem to have a genetic predisposition. There is no evidence that the disease is associated with smoking, diet, cell phones, or electromagnetic fields. However, there appears to be a small connection between glioblastoma and ionizing radiation. People with Turcot, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, or who have a history of neurofibromatosis, are at higher risk of developing glioblastoma than the rest of the population.