Fluorescent in situ-hybridization (FISH) in oncology

This review presents the possibilities of using the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) method in modern oncological practice. FISH is a cytogenetic method that has found wide application for detection of genomic aberrations. Detection of gene rearrangements is used to diagnose: highly aggressive lymphomas (BCL2, BCL6, MYC, CCND1), soft tissue sarcomas (SS18, EWSR1, MDM2, CDK4, DDIT3), mesothelioma (CDKN2A) and other malignant tumors. Detection of ALK, ROS1, NTRK gene rearrangements and HER2 gene amplification is used to guide targeted therapy in lung cancer and breast cancer. Evaluation of MET gene amplification allows detection of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Timely detection of the genomic status of primary or metastatic tumors allows for a correct diagnosis and the prescription of personalized targeted treatment. Despite more modern molecular genetic tests (PCR, NGS), FISH remains a standard diagnostic method in oncology.