Diagnostic value of MDM2 RNA in situ hybridization for low-grade osteosarcoma: Consistency comparison of RNA in situ hybridization, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry

Detection of MDM2 gene amplification via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and MDM2 overexpression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) have been utilized for the diagnosis of low-grade osteosarcoma (LGOS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of MDM2 RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) and compare this assay with MDM2 FISH and IHC in distinguishing LGOS from its histologic mimics. MDM2 RNA-ISH, FISH and IHC were performed on nondecalcified samples of 23 LGOSs and 52 control cases. Twenty (20/21, 95.2%) LGOSs were MDM2-amplified, and two cases failed in FISH. All control cases were MDM2-nonamplified. All 20 MDM2-amplified LGOSs and one MDM2-nonamplified LGOS harboring TP53 mutation and RB1 deletion showed positivity for RNA-ISH. Fifty of the 52 (96.2%) control cases were negative for RNA-ISH. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of MDM2 RNA-ISH were 100.0% and 96.2%, respectively. Nineteen of the 23 LGOSs were evaluated by MDM2 RNA-ISH and FISH in decalcified samples simultaneously. All decalcified LGOSs failed in FISH and most samples (18/19) were no staining in RNA-ISH. Fifteen (15/20, 75%) MDM2-amplified LGOSs were positive for IHC and 96.2% (50/52) of control cases were negative. The sensitivity of RNA-ISH (100%) was higher than that of IHC (75%). In conclusion, MDM2 RNA-ISH has great value for the diagnosis of LGOS, with excellent consistency with FISH and better sensitivity than IHC. Acid decalcification still has an adverse impact on RNA. Some MDM2-nonamplified tumors may show positivity for MDM2 RNA-ISH, which needs to be analyzed comprehensively in combination with clinicopathological features.

Automated summary

The diagnostic value of MDM2 RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) was evaluated in distinguishing low-grade osteosarcoma (LGOS) and compared with MDM2 FISH and IHC. MDM2 RNA-ISH showed high sensitivity and specificity, with higher sensitivity than IHC.