Multiple Myeloma - Karyotyping+Fish

Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization (FISH) test is used to map the genetic information present in the human cell. A FISH test is beneficial for diagnosing certain forms of cancer as it can detect chromosomal mutations linked with the disease. This includes multiple myeloma. It can also provide information to help estimate whether a patient is likely to respond to chemotherapy drugs.

A FISH test employs fluorescent dyes that exclusively bind to certain regions of the chromosomes. The test can detect most chromosomal alterations, such as deletion or translocation. These are visible using a microscope in regular cytogenetic tests too. However, a FISH test can also spot changes that are too minor to detect using cytogenetic testing.

Cancer cells exhibit the following abnormalities during a FISH test:

• Deletion: A chromosomal segment is missing.
• Duplication: A portion of a chromosome has duplicated, causing the cell to have excess copies.
• Inversion: A chromosomal segment is in reverse order but is still linked to the right chromosome.
• Translocation: A piece of one chromosome has split and moved to another chromosome.

A karyotype test, on the other hand, examines the chromosomes using blood or bodily fluids. Adults may require a Karyotype genetic testing for the following reasons:

• Experiencing infertility
• Have cancer or blood diseases
• Have certain genetic conditions in the family

Unborn babies in the womb may also require karyotyping when their parents have a history of genetic abnormalities or if their mother is over 35.

Apollo 24|7 offers a package combining Karyotyping with the FISH test for diagnosing multiple myeloma in adults. These tests can be used to determine appropriate treatments for anyone diagnosed with the disease.

On receiving a diagnosis through the Karyotyping test and FISH test, a healthcare provider generally recommends one of the following treatments for multiple myeloma.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy employs the use of medications to destroy cancer cells.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroid drugs manage systemic inflammation by regulating the immune system.
• Drug therapy: Targeted drug therapy specifically targets defects in cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy makes use of the immune system to combat cancer.
• Radiation: Radiation therapy kills cancer cells by delivering high-energy beams from sources such as protons and X-rays.
• Stem cell transplants: A stem cell transplant or a bone marrow transplant is a treatment that replaces unhealthy bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.

Most of these treatments can be pretty effective in treating the symptoms of multiple myeloma, such as:

• Appetite loss
• Bone pain, particularly in the spine or chest
• Constipation
• Extreme thirst
• Fatigue and nausea
• Loss of weight
• Mental fogginess
• Recurring infections

It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider as soon as one notices these symptoms. This can help the healthcare provider order a Karyotype and FISH test and quickly start appropriate treatment.
 

Frequently asked questions

What does the FISH test diagnose?

The FISH test maps the genetic information in human cells, such as specific genes or certain segments of genes. It is beneficial in identifying several forms of cancer, including multiple myeloma since it can detect genetic abnormalities linked with cancers.

What is the most commonly run genetics test for myeloma?

The most commonly used genetic testing for multiple myeloma is the FISH test.

How do you read FISH test results?

A FISH test typically yields one of the two outcomes: positive or negative. A positive result indicates that the cancer cells produce an excessive amount of HER2 protein. In this scenario, the doctor may prescribe medication that targets the specific protein. A negative result indicates that the protein is not involved in tumour development.

Where does multiple myeloma usually start?

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that develops in the plasma cells of the bone marrow. Plasma cells are cells of the immune system. They generally produce antibodies or immunoglobulins, which help fight against infections.

Who is most likely to get multiple myeloma?

The risk of multiple myeloma increases with age. However, men over the age of 60 are most likely to be diagnosed with it than women. Moreover, those with a family history of multiple myeloma are also at risk. Having a history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) raises the chances of being diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

Can an individual with multiple myeloma lead a normal life?

A variety of treatment options are available for individuals with multiple myeloma. Thus, individuals with this ailment can lead a reasonably normal life. Moreover, if cancer develops slowly, one may not require treatment immediately. Your doctor may simply advise close observation rather than medication.