BRAF Mutational Analysis
Indication
Activating point mutations in the kinase domain of the BRAF kinase are frequently detected in human malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC), lung cancer and melanoma. BRAF mutations are found in sporadic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) CRC but not in CRC arising from HNPCC. BRAF mutation screening thus may be useful in CRC to define germline vs. sporadic MSI-H in concert with the hMLH1 methylation assay that is also available at the MDL. Detection of point mutations in the BRAF oncogene may also be used to assess subtypes of lung, pancreatic and gynecologic carcinomas and to assess clonal relationships between multifocal tumors, including lung cancer and melanoma.
Methodology
PCR-based pyrosequencing of DNA is performed to examine codons 595 to 600 from exon 15 (the most common mutation site) and codons 468 to 474 from exon 11 of the BRAF gene.
Sensitivity
Tumor clone must comprise at least 10% of the cells in the sample.
Turnaround Time
10 days
Sample Requirements
Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue blocks containing adequate amounts of tumor to be analyzed (see above sensitivity), with areas to be tested indicated. Comparison of normal and tumor, or several different areas of tumor can be done, for additional charge.
Please specify whether exon 11 is to be sequenced in addition to exon 15.
Please provide a copy of the corresponding pathology report.
CPT Codes
83890 (DNA Isolation), 83912, 83898, 83904
Additional charges may apply for tissue extraction.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.