A Cytogenetic panel is a group of laboratory tests that look at chromosomes in cells. It helps detect chromosome changes that can drive or characterize certain cancers. It is commonly used in hematology-oncology (blood cancers) and in some solid tumors. Results are interpreted alongside pathology, imaging, and other molecular tests.
Flow cytometry MRD is a laboratory test that looks for very small numbers of cancer cells that can remain after treatment. It is most commonly used in blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It helps clinicians assess how well therapy worked beyond what a microscope can usually detect. It is performed on samples like bone marrow or blood, depending on the cancer and clinical question.
A Minimal residual disease assay is a test used to look for tiny amounts of cancer cells that can remain after treatment. It is most commonly discussed in blood cancers, where it can detect disease that is not visible under a microscope. Depending on the cancer and the assay type, it may use blood, bone marrow, or other samples. Clinicians use it to better understand response to therapy and risk of relapse over time.
A Circulating tumor DNA test is a blood-based laboratory test that looks for small fragments of tumor DNA in the bloodstream. It is often described as a type of “liquid biopsy,” because it can provide cancer-related genetic information without taking tumor tissue. It is commonly used in oncology to help guide treatment selection and to monitor disease over time. How informative it is can vary by cancer type and stage.
EBER ISH is a laboratory test used to detect Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) within cells in a tissue sample. It stands for “EBV-encoded RNA in situ hybridization.” It is most often performed by pathology labs on biopsy or surgical specimens in cancer evaluation. It helps clinicians understand whether EBV is present in tumor cells and in what pattern.
p16 IHC is a laboratory test performed on tissue under a microscope. It uses immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect the p16 protein inside cells. p16 IHC is most commonly used in surgical pathology to help classify certain tumors and precancerous changes. In some settings, it also supports evaluation of cancers linked to human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV status describes whether human papillomavirus (HPV) is present in certain cells or tissues. In oncology, it most often refers to whether a tumor is HPV-associated. It is commonly reported for cancers of the cervix and the head and neck (especially the oropharynx). Clinicians use HPV status to support diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning.
EBV status describes whether Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is present in a person’s tumor cells or detectable in certain blood tests. It is a biomarker used in oncology to support diagnosis, classification, and sometimes monitoring of specific cancers. EBV status is most commonly discussed in some lymphomas and certain cancers of the head and neck and stomach.
MYC amplification means a cancer cell has extra copies of the **MYC** gene. Extra copies can increase MYC activity and push cells to grow and divide. It is most often discussed as a **tumor biomarker** found through pathology and molecular testing. Clinicians use it to help describe tumor biology and support diagnosis and planning in some cancers.
RB1 loss means a cancer cell has lost normal function of the RB1 gene or its protein product. RB1 is a tumor suppressor gene that helps control how cells move through the cell cycle. In oncology, RB1 loss is most often discussed as a biomarker found on tumor testing. It is used to help describe tumor biology and sometimes guide treatment planning.