Definition

The ROS1 gene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase; it becomes an oncogenic driver by fusing with partners such as CD74 in approximately 1 to 2% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases. FISH with break-apart probes is one of the standard detection methods; it is generally seen in younger, non-smoking patients and responds to treatments such as crizotinib and entrectinib.

Method

FISH analysis

Accepted sample types

Fresh tumor tissue, FFPE

Description

Response to drug therapy.

Inheritance

Somatic; an acquired chromosomal rearrangement in lung tumor tissue, not hereditary.

Related Tests

Inheritance Patterns

Describes how a genetic condition is passed on within a family. There are five main patterns

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Carrier (Heterozygous / Homozygous)

Why it matters: In autosomal recessive inheritance, when each parent is a carrier (while both appear healthy), the chance of their child being born with the disease is 25% in each

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VUS (Variant of Uncertain Significance)

This is the situation where the test has detected a change in the DNA, but the role of this change in the development of disease is unconfirmed.

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How to Read a Genetic Test Result (Positive / Negative / VUS)

A genetic test result falls into three main categories

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Types of Genetic Tests

A genetic test is a type of medical test that detects changes in genes, chromosomes or proteins. Today there are more than 77,000 genetic tests available.

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