Fluorescence In-situ Hybridization (FISH) and Its Application in Oncology

Abstract

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique was developed in early 1970s for DNA sequence identification. FISH has gained wide application in cytogenetic research, thanks for its high sensitivity and specificity. FISH analysis has also become a powerful tool for cancer research and treatment, through detecting genetic aberrations in cancer cells. Compared to other cytogenetic tests, FISH analysis is fast and compatible with various cell types. It is particularly useful under clinical settings, by providing crucial information of chromosomal abnormalities, such as gene microdeletion, amplification, and translocation, to guide cancer therapy selection, and monitor effectiveness of the treatment. For example, FISH is used as a companion diagnostic tool for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with ALK or ROS1 gene rearrangement. It’s also a confirmative test for breast cancer patients with HER2 abnormality. Through combination with other novel technologies, newer versions of FISH have been developed to improve the throughput and sensitivity, which will further expand the potential of FISH analysis in fighting cancer.