Test Directory

MGMT promoter methylation analysis

Containers - Adult

path_block_slide.jpg
FFPE block / H&E slide / Pathology report

Laboratory Site

RIE
51 Little France Crescent
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Telephone: 0131 536 1000

Transport arrangements

​Referral specimens should be sent directly to Molecular Pathology at the above address (see transport recommendations). For patients with pathology specimens held within NHS Lothian there is no need to arrange transport of specimens.

How to request

Testing for NHS Lothian patients can be requested by email to molecular.pathology@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk. Referral requests must be accompanied by a completed request form.

 

Please also refer to our detailed requesting instructions.

Availability

​​Monday - Friday. 09:00 – 17:00

Anticipated turnaround

​​An integrated Molecular Pathology report should be available within 7 days. See results.

Static information/disclaimer

This test is accredited to ISO 15189.

Please note: alternative methodologies may be used. Full details will be included in all reports.

General additional information

​O6-Methylguanine-DNA-methyltranferase (MGMT) is a DNA repair enzyme which is thought to repair DNA damage caused by alkylating chemotherapeutic agents such as temozolomide. Methylation of the MGMT gene promoter decreases its expression and has been found to correlate with longer survival of patients with high grade gliomas treated with temozolomide. MGMT promoter methylation is therefore measured in high grade gliomas to help predict a patient’s response to therapy.

MGMT promoter methylation analysis is carried out by PCR and pyrosequencing following bisulphite conversion of unmethylated DNA. The reported result is an estimate derived from the mean percentage of methylation at CpG sites 76 to 79.

For clinical advice on appropriate investigations, please contact our Molecular Pathology team.