What is the Cost of a FISH Test for Cancer in India?

Affordable Cancer Diagnosis: FISH Test Pricing & Accuracy Insights

It stands for Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation, which is a test that examines any gene changes in cells. Genes are composed of DNA, which is responsible for controlling all cellular activities, such as growth and reproduction. This test is used to examine the presence of cancer cells.

FISH Test Detection

The DNA molecule contains all the information necessary for a normal cell to function correctly. However, cancer cells function abnormally compared to normal cells. FISH testing looks for these prominent changes in genes, which include:

Deletion: A portion of a chromosome might be missing.
Duplication: The test might indicate the amplification of chromosomes, which refers to the presence of extra copies of chromosomes.
Inversion: Reversal of a portion of a chromosome.
Translocation: Movement from one portion of a chromosome to another one.
Abnormality in Chromosome Number: This refers to an addition of an extra chromosome or a condition where one chromosome goes missing.

Cost of FISH Test

The FISH expenses range from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 22,000. However, factors such as the type of test and the location of the genetic clinic play a significant role in determining the price range. Rates for FISH for Trisomy range between Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 7000 in tier 1 cities. Furthermore, the FISH for AML PANEL, CLL PANEL, and MM PANEL ranges between Rs. 21,000 and Rs. 22,000.

Types of Cancer the FISH Test Can Detect

The FISH test process can detect multiple types of cancers, as follows:

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
Lung Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Melanoma Skin Cancer

Usage of FISH Testing for Cancer

This test procedure utilised fluorescent probes to detect specific parts of genes or to identify particular genes. Lab personnel or oncologists obtain tumour cells from peripheral blood, a lymph node biopsy or a bone marrow biopsy. This helps in the proper assessment of patients who have not yet been diagnosed or those who are undergoing cancer treatments.

Functioning of the FISH Test

Researchers have been using it to identify the location of a gene within the chromosome, which makes it suitable for use in medical tests.

Step 1: In this step, probes are created that match a part of the gene that the researcher is looking for. These probes are short sequences of single-stranded DNA.
Step 2: The next step involves labelling probes with the help of fluorescent dyes by attaching each with a specific colour. Two strands of complementary molecules form a DNA, which is responsible for binding them together.
Step 3: The probe created by a researcher can bind to the complementary strand of DNA because it is single-stranded. Once this probe binds itself to a chromosome, it releases fluorescent dye to tag the chromosome to assist researchers in identifying the abnormalities.

Test Results

Results of the FISH test do not require more than a few days, which is substantially different from cytogenetic testing. Cytogenetic testing is a similar test that is used to identify chromosomal abnormalities. FISH testing can locate most of the abnormalities that cytogenetic testing can detect, as well as the smaller ones that are harder for cytogenetic testing to detect.

Sample Collection for FISH Testing

Sample collection for FISH assessment depends on the type of cancer. For instance, in the case of multiple myeloma, an oncologist carries out a bone marrow FISH test. Meanwhile, a urine FISH test is preferable for detecting bladder cancer.

Cancer can develop in any part of the body. Therefore, methods of biopsy include:

Surgery procedure for the removal of a lymph node, tumour or an organ
Removing a thin piece of skin
Needle extraction of tissue, blood or bone marrow
Using an internal scope for obtaining a sample of tissue

Biopsy Preparation

One must consult a doctor before undergoing a biopsy to determine which foods, beverages, or medications should be avoided. Proper communication about allergies and medical conditions is essential.

FISH testing is a costly test. Therefore, discussing your queries with the doctor is essential. However, this testing is highly efficient in detecting genetic abnormalities, making it effective for cancer detection.