ZytoLight ® SPEC MYCN/2q11 Dual Color Probe

The ZytoLight ® SPEC MYCN/2q11 Dual Color Probe is designed for the detection of MYCN amplification which represents the most powerful unfavorable prognostic factor for neuroblastoma. Less frequently amplifications are found in retinoblastoma, small cell lung cancer, astrocytoma and other tumors derived from the neuroectoderm. The MYCN (v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral related oncogene, neuroblastoma derived, a.k.a. NMYC) gene is located in the chromosomal region 2p24.3 and encodes a 62-64 kDa transcription factor mainly expressed in the developing nervous system. Amplification of the MYCN gene is found in about 25% of primary neuroblastomas and is strongly associated with rapid tumor progression, advanced stages of the disease, and poor prognosis. Hence, amplification status is increasingly being used for stratification of patients to different treatment protocols.