Automated Analysis of 1p/19q Status by FISH in Oligodendroglial Tumors: Rationale and Proposal of an Algorithm

OBJECTIVE: To propose a new algorithm facilitating automated analysis of 1p and 19q status by FISH technique in oligodendroglial tumors with software packages available in the majority of institutions using this technique. METHODS: We documented all green/red (G/R) probe signal combinations in a retrospective series of 53 oligodendroglial tumors according to literature guidelines (Algorithm 1) and selected only the most significant combinations for a new algorithm (Algorithm 2). This second algorithm was then validated on a prospective internal series of 45 oligodendroglial tumors and on an external series of 36 gliomas. RESULTS: Algorithm 2 utilizes 24 G/R combinations which represent less than 40% of combinations observed with Algorithm 1. The new algorithm excludes some common G/R combinations (1/1, 3/2) and redefines the place of others (defining 1/2 as compatible with normal and 3/3, 4/4 and 5/5 as compatible with imbalanced chromosomal status). The new algorithm uses the combination + ratio method of signal probe analysis to give the best concordance between manual and automated analysis on samples of 100 tumor cells (91% concordance for 1p and 89% concordance for 19q) and full concordance on samples of 200 tumor cells. This highlights the value of automated analysis as a means to identify cases in which a larger number of tumor cells should be studied by manual analysis. Validation of this algorithm on a second series from another institution showed a satisfactory concordance (89%, κ = 0.8). CONCLUSION: Our algorithm can be easily implemented on all existing FISH analysis software platforms and should facilitate multicentric evaluation and standardization of 1p/19q assessment in gliomas with reduction of the professional and technical time required.