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Colorectal Cancer – Profiles

Genzyme provides one of the most comprehensive and clinically verified colorectal cancer test menus available.

The two main genetic pathways leading to colorectal cancer have been identified as:

  • Tumor suppressor pathway: Relevant in 80% of colorectal cancers, including patients with sporadic and hereditary (APC) tumors.
  • Tumor mutator pathway (microsatellite instability): Relevant in 15-20% of sporadic colorectal cancers and in the identification of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) patients.

p53 & TS
CPT Codes:
88360, 88342 

p27, p53 & TS
CPT Codes:
88360(2), 88342 

p27, p53, TS & DNA
CPT Codes:
88182, 88360(2), 88342

p53, TS & DNA
CPT Codes:
88182, 88360, 88342

hMLH-1/hMSH-2 (IHC)
CPT Code:
88342(2)

hMLH-1 / hMSH-2 / hMSH-6 (IHC)
CPT Code:
88342(3)

hMLH-1 / hMSH-2 / hMSH-6 / PMS2 (IHC)
CPT Code:
88342(4) 

hMLH-1 / hMSH-2 (IHC) & MSI (PCR)
CPT Codes:
83890(2), 83900(1), 83901(8), 83907(1), 83909(2), 83912-26(1), 88342(2), 88381(1)

hMLH-1 / hMSH-2 / hMSH-6 (IHC) & MSI (PCR)
CPT Codes:
83890(2), 83900(1), 83901(8), 83907(1), 83909(2), 83912-26(1), 88342(3), 88381(1) 

hMLH-1 / hMSH-2 / hMSH-6 / PMS2 (IHC) & MSI (PCR)
CPT Codes:
83890(2), 83900(1), 83901(8), 83907(1), 83909(2), 83912-26(1), 88342(4), 88381(1)

Microsatellite Instability (MSI) by PCR
CPT Codes:
83891(2), 83900(1), 83901(8), 83907(1), 83909(2), 83912-26(1), 88381(1)

Specimen Requirements:

Please Note: Submission of a sample of normal tissue (peripheral blood, non-tumor tissue) and tumor tissue is required for profiles where MSI by PCR is performed.

  1. Peripheral Blood (for control for MSI by PCR):
    • 10-20 ml in EDTA (lavender-top) tube.
    • Refrigerate specimen. Use cold pack for transport. Be sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen during transport.
  2. Fixed Paraffin Block with Corresponding H&E:
    • Tissue should be well-fixed in formalin. If alternative fixative is used, it should be noted on the requisition.
    • 0.2 cm x 0.2 cm x 0.2 cm tissue.
    • Store specimen at room temperature (20-23.5°C).
    • Use cold pack for transport. Be sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen during transport.
  3. Unstained Slides:
    • Send all slides within 6 weeks of cutting.
    • Pre-cut 5 micron sections from paraffin blocks.
    • Mount on Poly-L-Lysine-coated or plus (+) slides.
    • Air dry. Do not oven dry.
    • Store specimens at room temperature (20-23.5°C).
    • Minimum of 4 slides per antibody.
  4. Fresh Tissue Biopsy:
    • Two (2) pieces 0.2 cm x 0.2 cm x 0.2 cm (8-10 pieces preferred) in transport media. Do not use transport media if it turns cloudy, yellow or is beyond the expiration date. Use only pink/orange color media.
    • Refrigerate specimen. Use cold pack for transport. Be sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen during transport.
    • All specimens should be shipped to Genzyme on the day of excision. Delay in shipping may compromise cell viability and results.

Turnaround Time:

2-3 days; 6-7 days for profiles where MSI by PCR is performed.

Client Services: Oncology/Pathology   800-447-5816

Specimen Services/Pickup:  877-246-1226