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Objectives: Acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplasia-related (AML-MR) is a particularly aggressive and adverse subtype of acute myeloid leukemia, predominantly affecting older adults who often face complex treatment challenges and poor prognoses. The majority of AML-MR patients fail to achieve remission, leading to significantly reduced overall survival rates. In light of these dire outcomes, staying informed about the most recent advancements in AML-MR research and clinical practice is imperative. This review examines the latest World Health Organization classifications of AML-MR, highlighting this disease's prevalent mutations and cytogenetic abnormalities. Furthermore, we explore recent therapeutic developments, including the introduction of targeted therapies and hypomethylating agents, which offer promising avenues for improving patient outcomes. The reclassification of AML-MR underscores the critical role of genetic profiling in elucidating its pathology and guiding therapeutic strategies. Future research should focus on developing personalized treatment approaches that address the intricate genetic and clinical complexities of AML-MR, aiming to enhance survival rates and improve the quality of life for affected patients., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: We report a 76-year-old male patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with a t(9;22) and deletion 20q only by FISH. Past medical history is significant for prostate cancer status post radiation therapy and a 28-pack-year smoking history. In 2016, the patient developed a DVT and incidentally was found to have a BCR::ABL1 (p210) by PCR analysis (level of 0.54% of the international scale). Subsequent bone marrow aspiration revealed a hypercellular bone marrow with a small monoclonal B-cell population morphologically consistent with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). FISH analysis demonstrated t(9;22) translocation and a loss of 20q12 in 5% of nuclei. The patient was started on nilotinib therapy. Follow-up BCR::ABL1 testing six months later did not detect BCR::ABL1; however, subsequent FISH analysis on bone marrow aspirates performed at one and seven years after initial diagnosis continued to show deletion 20q (1-3% of nuclei). Morphologic features of bone marrow aspirates have demonstrated a CML-type hypercellular bone marrow with myeloid/megakaryocytic hyperplasia and micromegakaryocytes. This case pinpoints the importance of comprehensive study when MDS is present with deletion 20q and a t(9;22), as it can be misdiagnosed as CML. While definitive therapeutic guidelines have yet to be established for this rare presentation of MDS, the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors is under investigation., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: 16p11.2 deletion syndrome is a rare genetic abnormality that affects an individual's cognitive abilities. 16p11.2 deletion syndrome is characterized by a loss of region 11.2 on chromosome 16, which includes several genes with various functions. Numerous genes linked to this loss are essential for brain function and neurodevelopment. Notably, genes associated with neuronal development, synaptic function, and brain connection have been found inside the deleted region, including KIF22, TAOK2, and ALDOA, as well as approximately 22 to 25 other additional genes. The diverse clinical presentations noted in patients with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome can be ascribed to the intricate interactions among these mutated genes and their influence on multiple cellular processes. The 16p11.2 deletion syndrome is not observable by conventional cytogenetics. Chromosomal microarray studies are recommended to detect this 16p11.2 deletion., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is the most prevalent cancer in United States children. In recent years, immunotherapies using chimeric antigen receptors (CAR T-cells) have improved prognosis for patients with B-ALL. Previous CAR T therapies have used CD19 as a target, but loss of this protein through antigen escape may cause relapse with slim chance of remission. For patients facing relapsed/refractory B-ALL, the need for new targets is evident. In this review, we focus on the KMT2A, IKZF1-related, and DUX4r subgroups of B-ALL, highlighting proven and potential CAR T targets. With a focus on genetics, we discuss chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 as a target in mixed lineage rearranged leukemia and the use of proteomic analysis to locate other B-ALL antigenic surface markers, including the targeting of CD72 within a nanobody-based framework. Additionally, we examine the thymic stromal lymphopoietin receptor as a target in B-ALL with IKAROS family zinc finger 1 deletion across various subgroups. Following this, we propose the adaptation of CD371 as a CAR T-cell target for relapsed/refractory DUX4r B-ALL in the context of promising results from studies in acute myeloid leukemia. Finally, we provide a brief overview of other relevant therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and a planned universal CAR T for off-the-shelf use, before concluding with a case study that emphasizes the necessity of novel CAR T targets., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: Bladder cancer is a highly heterogeneous malignancy, affecting 600,000 people annually. Approximately 66% of patients will recur within five years; accordingly, accurate diagnosis and intensive surveillance of bladder cancer are crucial for effective treatment. This update aims to consolidate the genetic-molecular understanding of bladder cancer via investigation of the crucial genetic players in bladder cancer. Chief is the 9p21 locus and the genes FGFR3, RB1, HRAS, TP53, TSC1, TERT, HER2, and PIK3CA. Analysis of these genes has been made possible by the development of non-invasive cytogenetic diagnostic tools such as UroVysion FISH. Novel gene therapy for the genes interferon α2b, HER2, and FGFR3, and immunotherapy targeting of frequently mutated transduction pathways are promising treatments., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: ETV6::RUNX1-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a novel B-cell precursor leukemia subtype with similarities to ETV6::RUNX1 ALL without the presence of the ETV6-RUNX1 fusion gene. In this review, we survey the body of literature surrounding this recently categorized B-ALL type, including biomarkers, frequently associated mutations and prognosis of the disease. Identifying novel subcategories of B-ALL through high-throughput genetic analysis techniques allows for better guidance in management and more accurate prognosis., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: Identifying therapy-related AML (t-AML) of newly diagnosed acute leukemias is of great interest. Development of t-AML can occur after cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or radiation. We report a case of t-AML with CBFB::MYH11 fusion in a patient with a distant history of treated stage IIIB nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's lymphoma. We present the clinical course of the patient and the methods used to detect and monitor the rearrangement. Core binding factor AML (CBF-AML) after exposure to treatment is considered to be a good prognostic marker. The identification of these favorable AML subtypes such as CBF-AML highlights the importance of identifying genetic alterations, especially with increasing incidences of t-AML due to changes in choice of treatment and prognosis., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: Fluorescent in situ hybridization has been the definitive modality in testing for overexpression of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) for decades to guide the appropriate treatment for cancer patients. In more recent years innovation and new techniques have been developed to supplant or even replace FISH as a standard method for biomarker testing. Alternative testing methods such polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and other in situ hybridization (ISH)-derived techniques such as chromogenic-ISH (CISH) have been shown in multiple publications to have high concordance with FISH in addition to advantages in economics, logistics and practicality to the point where CISH and derived methods appear to have eclipsed FISH as a testing method of choice after immunohistochemistry (IHC). This review assesses the status of FISH compared to other diagnostic techniques such as IHC, CISH, and less common and/or experimental methods. Also addressed are the updates to the guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), College of American Pathologists (CAP), and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) regarding FISH and IHC for HER2 testing with the updates reducing the number of equivocal diagnoses in the latest iteration. Though our findings show a constantly changing technological landscape, FISH remains an important primary tool to guide medical treatment and as a solid foundation to build upon for innovation in cancer research., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: The Fanconi anemia (FA) genes are a family of at least 23 known genes that are spread across many chromosomes and participate in interstrand crosslink (ICLs) DNA repair. In this pathway, FA proteins are involved in sensing sites of ICLs, translocating repair enzymes from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, excising the area of damage, and facilitating repair of the fractured DNA. Mutations in these genes lead to Fanconi anemia, a syndrome characterized primarily by pancytopenia but with associated symptoms involving nearly every organ system; the majority of patients present with dermatological symptoms and growth deficits. Additionally, individuals with Fanconi anemia are known to be predisposed individuals to an increased risk of malignancies, particularly acute myeloid dystrophy and myelodysplastic syndrome, but also in the head, neck, esophagus, reproductive organs, brain, skin, liver, and kidneys. In fact, the cytogenetic aberrations seen in those with FA-associated AML differ from those in typical AML. In contrast, the cytogenetic changes seen in FA-associated MDS are similar to those in typical MDS., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: Penile cancer, while relatively rare compared to other male malignancies, has seen an increased global incidence, with 36,068 new cases reported in 2020. This condition primarily affects regions with low human development indexes, notably India, China and Brazil. The mainstay of treatment is often partial or total penectomy, which has a profound impact on patients' emotional and social lives. Due to limited options for early diagnosis, non-surgical treatments, restricted healthcare funding and the negative consequences of mutilating surgeries, penile cancer is often considered a neglected disease. Penile cancer exhibits various histological types, but penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most prevalent, accounting for 95% of cases worldwide. Multiple risk factors are associated with this condition, largely tied to lifestyle behaviors, such as promiscuous sexual behavior, zoophilia, poor hygiene, phototherapy, smoking and obesity. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a significant etiological factor, particularly in squamous cell carcinomas. The prevalence of HPV in penile neoplasia varies widely, and its association with mortality remains uncertain., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Pleural effusions in children (PE) due to ventricle-peritoneal shunt (VPS) is very rare, with few cases reported. We present a new case of an infant with VPS who had a massive hydrothorax not associated with misplacement or migration of the distal catheter or with ascites. After the evacuation of the PE we managed the patient by adjusting the pressure of the adjustable valve (AV). Sequential thoracic ultrasounds showed a satisfactory outcome. We review the literature thoroughly and describe the possible pathophysiological mechanisms.

Objectives: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is one of the most common leukemias affecting the pediatric population. It represents ~25% of cancer diagnoses among children. Specific genetic changes predict the prognosis in B-ALL with recurrent genetic changes. Here we present a case report of a 20-year-old male with B-ALL. The patient presented with acute onset worsening upper extremity pain with pallor, weight loss, dizziness, fatigue, and abnormal complete blood count (CBC). Conventional cytogenetics showed a karyotype of 46,XY,add(9)(q13),i(9)(q10)[19]. DNA FISH analysis performed on the bone marrow showed hemizygous deletion of the 9p21(CDKN2A) in 15.5% of the nuclei examined. The presence of an isochromosome 9q [i(9)(q10) is a rare event in pediatric B-ALL. An isochromosome 9q occurs in 0.6% of the patients studied in the literature. The significance of this abnormality in pediatric B-ALL is not clear. Profiling cases like this to understand the molecular mechanisms of rare chromosomal abnormalities and rare mutations in children with B-ALL could help us to better treat them., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) can afflict both adult and pediatric patients and is characterized by a build-up of B lymphoblasts. Here we present a case of a 25-year-old male patient with a history of B-ALL. Ninety percent of the bone marrow revealed pancytopenia with sheets of B lymphoblasts consistent with the diagnosis of B-ALL for acute pre-B lymphoblastic leukemia. The immunophenotype also presented predominant immature precursor B lymphoid cells positive for CD19, CD10, CD34, CD58, CD38, CD9, and TdT. Chromosome analysis of the bone marrow showed a complex karyotype described as 45~47,XY,i(8)(q10),der(10)add(10)(p11.1)add(10)(q23),-20,+1~2mar[cp3]/46,XY[36]. While IGH rearrangements were cryptic cytogenetically, DNA FISH analysis showed evidence of the IGH (14q32.2) gene rearrangement in 96.5% of the nuclei examined. These results were described as nuc ish(IGHx2)(5'IGH sep 3'IGHx1)[187/200],(5'IGH,3'IGH)x1~4(5'IGH con 3'IGHx0~2) [6/200]. The remaining probes were normal. Further studies using the MYC/IGH DC, DF probe from Abbott showed a gain of IGH signal in 7.5% of the nuclei examined: nuc ish(MYCx2,IGHx3)[15/200]. Metaphase FISH also showed that what appeared to be an isochromosome 8q was a derivative chromosome 8 defined as add(8)(p11.2) that contained a green IGH signal. In light of these results the karyotype was characterized as 45~47,XY,add(8)(p11.2),der(10)add(10)(p11.1)add(10)(q23),-20,+1~2mar[cp3].ish add(8) (p11.2) IgH+. IgH abnormalities are rare in B-ALL and are usually associated with a poor prognosis. However, at the present time our patient presented no evidence of persistent or residual disease and a cytogenetic response to the present therapy., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: The ribosomal protein S14 (RPS14) gene located at 5q33 codes for a protein involved in ribosomal biogenesis. The RPS14 gene has a length of 5.9 kb of DNA comprising 5 exons and 4 introns. It is possible that RPS14 is involved in the formation of pre-RNA 18s, an intermediate RNA that serves for the formation of the 40S small subunit of the ribosome. RPS14 haploinsufficiency (HI) produces alterations in intermediate RNA levels (pre-RNA 30S/18SE/18S), which are found in del(5q) MDS. In addition, RPS14 haploinsufficiency results in the formation of the MDM2 (double minute mouse E3 ubiquitin ligase)-RP (ribosomal protein) complex that prevents the MDM2-p53 interaction, generating an accumulation of p53 levels. This accumulation produces cell cycle arrest, impaired DNA repair, senescence, and apoptosis. RPS14 haploinsufficiency has been seen in MDS. Altered expression levels of RPS14 have also been reported in glioma, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and primary myelofibrosis., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: We present a case study of a 73-year-old female with a history of pancytopenia. The bone marrow core biopsy was suggestive of a myelodysplastic syndrome, unspecified (MDS-U). Chromosomal analysis of the bone marrow revealed an abnormal karyotype including gain of chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 19, and 20 in addition to loss of chromosomes 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, and 22. Also, additional material of unknown origin was found on 3q, 5p, 9p, 11p, 13p, 14p, and 15p; there were two copies of 19p, a deletion of 8q, and numerous unidentified rings and markers were present. This was characterized as: 75~77,XXX,+1,der(1;6)(p10;p10),add(3)(q27),+4,add(5)(p15.1),+6,+8,del(8)(q24.1),+add(9)(p24),-11,add (11) (p13),-13,add(13)(p10),add(14)(p11.2),-15,add(15)(p11.2), -16,-17,+19,add(19)(p13.3)x2,+20,-22, +0~4r,+4~10mar[cp11]/46,XX[8]. The cytogenetic analysis correlates with the concurrent FISH study which was positive for additional signals of EVI1(3q26.2), TAS2R1 (5p15.31), EGR1 (5q31.2), RELN (7q22), TES (7q31) RUNX1T1 (8q21.3), ABL1 (9q34), KMT2A (11q23), PML (15q24.1), CBFB (16q22), RARA (17q21), PTPRT (20q12), MYBL2 (20q13.12), RUNX1 (21q22.12) and BCR (22q11.2). Hyperdiploid karyotypes within the context of complex structural abnormalities are rare events usually associated with a poor prognosis in MDS., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: The Janus Kinase 2 gene (JAK2) provides instructions for generating a protein that promotes the division and growth, or what is referred to as the proliferation, of cells. This generated protein relays signals in cells in order to promote cell growth, as well as help manage the count of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets that are generated within the bone marrow. Mutations and rearrangements of JAK2 are found in 3.5% of B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cases and in 18.9% of Down syndrome B-ALL patients, and are associated with a Ph-like ALL and a poor prognosis. However, there have been great challenges in understanding their role in this pathogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the most recent literature and trends associated with JAK2 mutations in patients with B-ALL., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: Myxoid/Round Cell Liposarcoma (MRCL) is characterized as a soft tissue sarcoma that is associated with unusual patterns of metastasis to extrapulmonary sites, such as bones and other soft tissue sites. Here, we present a case of a 48-year-old male patient, diagnosed with MRCL. The patient presented with a grade 1 myxoid liposarcoma in his left leg. DNA FISH analysis showed variant rearrangements of the EWSR1 (22q12) gene and loss of the 5' DDIT3 (CHOP 12q13) gene. The variant rearrangement showed one or two fusions with multiple separated (rearranged) signals. The EWSR1-DDIT3 rearrangement has been reported in MRCL. The variant rearrangements of the EWSR1 (22q12) gene findings correlate with concurrent conventional cytogenetic findings and were described as nuc ish(EWSR1x2) (5'EWSR1 sep 3'EWSR1x1)[128/100],(5'EWSR1,3'EWSR1)x1~3(5'EWSR1 con 3'EWSR1x1~2)[57/100]. The variant rearrangements of the DDIT3 (CHOP 12q13) gene findings were described as nuc ish(5'DDIT3x1,3'DDIT3x2)(5'DDIT3 con 3'DDIT3x1)[195/200]. Molecular cytogenetic studies also showed a rearrangement of EWSR1 (22q12) in 64% of nuclei and variant rearrangement in 31.5% of nuclei. A loss of DDIT3's (12q13) 5' signal was found in 97.5% of interphase nuclei. Molecular pathology results indicated the patient was positive for EWSR1 (exon 7) and DDIT3 (exon 2) fusion. The patient underwent radiation therapy pre-resection of the myxoid liposarcoma. The most common form of MRCL is associated with t(12;16)(q13;p11), leading to FUS-CHOP and EWS-CHOP fusion proteins acting as aberrant transcription factors. The key element here is that this EWSR1-DDIT3 rearrangement led to a translocation t(12;22)(q13;q12) which is a rare cytogenetic event that led to the development of MRCL in this patient., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease, characterized by clonal expansion of undifferentiated myeloid precursors, leading to alterations in hematopoiesis and bone marrow failure. Characteristic chromosomal abnormalities in AML are translocations t(8;21), inv(16), t(15;17), t(9;22), as well as mutations of genes that regulate proliferation and survival (FLT 3, PTPN 11, ETV 6/PDGFB), or genes responsible for differentiation and apoptosis (RUNX-1/RUNX1T1, PML/RARA, KMT2A, CEBPA and CBFB). Amplification of RUNX1 is a rare event in AML. Herein we described a 60-year-old patient that was admitted to the hospital due to a clinical picture of symptoms of acute anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, and profuse nasal bleeding, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and gallstones. The blood cell count indicated the presence of 72% blasts. The bone marrow also showed 97% of blasts of myeloid lineage. The flow cytometry study also showed findings compatible with AML (MPOneg/+, CD34+, CD19neg /+d, CD117+, CD38neg /+, HLA-DR ++, CD13neg /+, CD33neg, CD15neg, D56neg, CD123+, CD7neg, CD11bneg, CD64neg, CD41aneg, which represented 68% of the pathological cellularity). Chromosome analysis showed additional copies of an isochromosome 21q. FISH studies revealed five copies of RUNX1. Amplification of RUNX1 is a rare event in AML with only a few cases reported in the literature (mainly therapy related AML) and it is usually associated with poor prognosis., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most prevalent form of bladder cancer and a significant cause of mortality in the world each year. As molecular genetic techniques improve, researchers and medical professionals are turning toward finding potential biomarkers to diagnose and characterize UC, guide treatment decisions, and use as therapeutic targets. Located on chromosome 11q13.2, the CCND1 gene encodes Cyclin D1, a CDK-regulating protein that plays a critical role in cell cycle progression. Amplification of CCND1 is seen in about 10% of all bladder cancer patients and has been a target of research due to its potential as a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target. However, existing literature on CCND1 amplification and Cyclin D1 expression report conflicting information about their clinical significance and association with disease staging, pointing to the need for more research to determine mechanistic pathways. Additionally, while there are currently no approved therapies or drugs that directly target CCND1 or Cyclin D1 in UC, several clinical trials with drugs targeting CDK4/CDK6 in the Cyclin D1 pathway are already underway. This paper aims to provide an update on the amplification of CCND1 in urothelial carcinoma, including an overview of recent research on elucidated pathways, clinical significance, relevant therapies under development, and directions for future research., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents as a heterogeneous blood cancer characterized by the proliferation of immature myeloid cells. We present the case of an 18-year-old female with AML whose symptoms include marked leukocytosis, anemia, as well as thrombocytopenia with spontaneous cerebellar and intracerebral bleeds. The bone marrow biopsy is hypercellular and is expunged by sheets of blast cells with dispersed chromatin, prominent nucleoli, highly irregular nuclei, and moderate cytoplasm. Chromosome analysis reveals an abnormal karyotype with a derivative trisomy 8 and a derivative chromosome 16. The karyotype is described as 47,XX,+der(8)add(8)(q24.3),der(16) inv(16)(p13.1q22)del(16)(q22)[21]/46,XX[1]. DNA FISH analysis reveals abnormalities for RUNX1T1 (8q21.3) and CBFB (16q22) genes. These findings align with that of conventional cytogenetics. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for AML state that CBFB gene rearrangements indicate that the patient falls under the favorable risk category. However, AML with core binding factor molecular aberrations is a heterogeneous group and thus the interaction with further cytogenetic abnormalities may result in further pathogenesis. Clinical correlation was suggested., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a subset of ALL that comprises 75% of ALL cases. There are a variety of chromosome aneuploidy or chromosomal rearrangements implicated in B-ALL. Deregulation of CRLF2 expression is seen in 5-15% of B-ALL patients and occurs primarily via a reciprocal translocation with immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH), rearrangements of CRLF2, deletion within the PAR1 region of the X and Y chromosomes, and CRLF2 mutations as well as mutations of the CRLF2-involved pathways and are seen in Ph-like B-ALL. They are associated with a poor prognosis. Blinatumomab is an available immunotherapy, and there are currently a few ongoing clinical trials to treat CRLF2 B-ALL. This review focuses on the role of CRLF2 in B-ALL and summarizes the literature regarding its molecular pathways, clinical significance, incidence rates across demographics, therapies, and areas of further research., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is one of the prevalent pediatric leukemias, accounting for 26% of cancers diagnosed in children 0-14 years of age. We present a case report of an 11-year-old girl with B-ALL. The patient was in complete remission nine months after diagnosis but passed away a month later from chemotherapy-induced hepatic failure, renal failure, and febrile neutropenia. Conventional cytogenetics showed a karyotype of 46,XX,del(5)(q31q35),add(6)(q23),del(7)(q32q36),add(11)(q23),ider(21)(q10)add(21) (q22),inc[20]. DNA FISH analysis performed on the bone marrow showed variant rearrangement of CRLF2, as well as loss of ETV6 signals and gain of RUNX1 signals. The presence of CRLF2 rearrangements within the context of a complex karyotype is often associated with CRLF2 overexpression and poor prognosis. The heterogeneity of B-ALL and the variability in the outcomes of patients that lack characteristic genetic abnormalities highlight the importance of profiling unusual genetic cases such as this one and continuing research to understand the molecular mechanisms of rarer mutations., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and frequently occurring primary brain tumor out of the different types of primary astrocytomas. It presents with an extremely poor prognosis, with a median survival of 14 to 15 months from the diagnosis. Herein, we present an 83-year-old female patient with a right frontal brain mass. A craniotomy for the frontal brain mass was performed, which revealed a tumor with high-grade glioma, necrosis, atypia, and vascular proliferation. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade IV (GBM). Molecular cytogenetic studies showed an amplification of the EGFR gene in 100% nuclei scored. Amplification of EGFR appears in around 40-50% of individuals with Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade IV, leading to high levels of EGFR protein levels that contribute to tumorigenesis. Chromosomal deletions involving 1p36 and 19q13 are characteristic molecular features of solid tumors such as oligodendrocytes and mixed oligoastrocytomas, but in this case there was no evidence of a co-deletion of 1p36/19q13 in this case of glioblastoma., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)

Objectives: Neuroblastoma remains one of the most clinically diverse cancers common in pediatric patients. An important prognostic indicator for neuroblastoma involves the NMYC gene, which is the differentiating factor between high-risk and low-risk disease; the five-year survival rates for patients with and without NMYC mutations are 40% and 95%, respectively. This review assesses our current understanding of the molecular role and function of NMYC in risk stratification and disease progression and highlights key areas of research to improve existing and identify novel targets for neuroblastoma treatments., (Copyright© by the Association of Genetic Technologists.)