OBJECTIVE: To analyze retrospectively results of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing and demographic information in @entity1 with known or suspected @entity2828 /primitive @entity4969 family of @entity5 referred to the National @entity5 Institute and to describe factors influencing the determination of molecular marker status. @entity1 AND METHODS: Tumor samples from 76 @entity1 from February 1997 to December 1999 were analyzed. In all cases, the diagnosis of this family of @entity5 was confirmed by histopathologic review. RESULTS: In 58 @entity1 , the presence of a translocation associated with this family of @entity5 was confirmed using RT-PCR. Specifically, there were 45 @entity2828 ( @entity2828 )-FLI type 1 translocations, four @entity2828 -FLI type 2 translocations, five @entity2828 -ERG translocations, and four less common @entity2828 -FLI variants. Of @entity1 with a confirmed translocation, four were confirmed only after nested RT-PCR techniques were used. In five @entity1 who initially underwent needle biopsy, the diagnosis was confirmed only after open biopsy or repeat needle biopsy was undertaken. Samples from 18 @entity1 were translocation-negative. Of these, seven samples were deemed inadequate for RT-PCR testing as a result of inappropriate tissue handling or the presence of @entity39 material. Five @entity1 were found to have a different diagnosis after complete histopathologic and molecular characterization. Six samples remained, in which adequate tissue was obtained with no evidence of a characteristic translocation. CONCLUSIONS: In apparently translocation-negative samples, close attention should be given to the possibility of an alternative diagnosis, the potential need for nested RT-PCR, and the possibility of an inadequate sample. Strong consideration should be given to the use of open biopsy as opposed to needle biopsy to avoid the need for repeat biopsies and the potential for inaccurate assessment of molecular marker status.

Molecular confirmation of XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'PATIENTS'] @entity2828 :: ('MESH:D012512', 'Disease') :: ['Ewing sarcoma', 'EWS'] @entity39 :: ('MESH:D009336', 'Disease') :: ['necrotic'] @entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['Cancer', 'tumors'] @entity4969 :: ('MESH:D017599', 'Disease') :: ['neuroectodermal tumor']
@entity2828 :: (MESH:D012512,Disease) :: ['Ewing sarcoma']
