Rapid mutation testing in lung cancer tissue samples using a fully automated system and single-use cartridge.

Introduction: Activating mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor () gene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients predicts response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The Idylla™ system (Biocartis, Mechelen, Belgium) is a fully integrated, cartridge-based platform that provides automated sample processing and real-time PCR-based mutation detection in a single-use cartridge. This study evaluated the Idylla™ EGFR Mutation Assay cartridges against next-generation sequencing (NGS) using formalin fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) lung cancer tissue samples.

Review of the medical literature and assessment of current utilization patterns regarding the use of two common fluorescence in situ hybridization assays in the diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and clear cell sarcoma.

Background: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a tumor of intermediate malignancy, which in selected circumstances can pose difficulty in diagnosis. Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) is a very rare aggressive soft tissue sarcoma that can be difficult to distinguish histologically from melanoma.

Methods: The current literature on t(17;22) COL1A1-PDGFB fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay in DFSP was reviewed.

Appropriate use criteria in dermatopathology: Initial recommendations from the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Background: Appropriate use criteria (AUC) provide physicians guidance in test selection, and can affect health care delivery, reimbursement policy and physician decision-making.

Objectives: The American Society of Dermatopathology, with input from the American Academy of Dermatology and the College of American Pathologists, sought to develop AUC in dermatopathology.

Methods: The RAND/UCLA appropriateness methodology, which combines evidence-based medicine, clinical experience and expert judgment, was used to develop AUC in dermatopathology.