Methylguanine Methyltransferase (MGMT) Test
Short Name: MGMT Test
Also known as: MGMT Methylation Test, MGMT Promoter Methylation Analysis, O-6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase Test, MGMT Gene Methylation Status
Methylguanine Methyltransferase (MGMT) Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹10,500. Uses Methylation-Specific PCR (MSP), Real-Time Quantitative PCR on Fresh tissue in normal saline samples. Results in Results are typically available within 13 working days from the Monday 11 AM sample receipt deadline. Reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the MGMT test is to determine the methylation status of the MGMT gene promoter in tumor tissue. This information helps oncologists predict whether a patient with glioblastoma multiforme or other relevant cancers will respond to alkylating chemotherapy agents, particularly Temozolomide. A methylated MGMT promoter indicates gene silencing, which makes tumor cells more vulnerable to DNA-damaging chemotherapy, leading to better treatment outcomes. The test guides personalized treatment decisions, helping physicians choose the most effective therapeutic regimen and avoid ineffective treatments with their associated side effects in patients unlikely to benefit.
- Test Code
- 1237
- CPT Code
- 81287
- ICD Code
- D43
- Price
- ₹10,500
- Sample Type
- Fresh tissue in normal saline
- Result Time
- Results are typically available within 13 working days from the Monday 11 AM sample receipt deadline. Reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Methylation-Specific PCR (MSP), Real-Time Quantitative PCR
Sample Collection
Ensure the treating physician or surgeon has collected the tumor tissue sample. Duly fill the Genomics Clinical Information Requisition Form (Form 20) completely, including all clinical details, diagnosis, and relevant medical history. Confirm that the sample is fresh (unfixed) tissue placed in normal saline.
Method: Tissue biopsy collection by treating physician or surgeon
Laboratory Analysis
The tissue sample should be collected during biopsy or surgical resection by the treating physician. Place the fresh tissue immediately into a sterile screw-capped container with normal saline. Label the container properly with patient details and ensure the requisition form accompanies the sample.
Report Delivery
Ship the sample refrigerated (2-8°C). Do NOT freeze the sample. The sample is stable under refrigerated conditions for up to 72 hours. Ensure timely dispatch to DNA Labs India for processing. Results are typically available within 13 working days from sample receipt when submitted by Monday 11 AM.
Timeline: Results are typically available within 13 working days from the Monday 11 AM sample receipt deadline. Reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the MGMT test is to determine the methylation status of the MGMT gene promoter in tumor tissue. This information helps oncologists predict whether a patient with glioblastoma multiforme or other relevant cancers will respond to alkylating chemotherapy agents, particularly Temozolomide. A methylated MGMT promoter indicates gene silencing, which makes tumor cells more vulnerable to DNA-damaging chemotherapy, leading to better treatment outcomes. The test guides personalized treatment decisions, helping physicians choose the most effective therapeutic regimen and avoid ineffective treatments with their associated side effects in patients unlikely to benefit.
How to Prepare
- Submit fresh tissue in normal saline in a sterile screw-capped container
- Ship the sample refrigerated (2-8°C). DO NOT FREEZE
- Duly filled Genomics Clinical Information Requisition Form (Form 20) is mandatory
- Sample must be received at the laboratory by Monday 11:00 AM for processing in the current batch
- Label the container clearly with patient name, date of collection, and sample type
- Include relevant clinical history and diagnosis on the requisition form
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"MGMT promoter methylation status is one of the most clinically significant molecular markers in neuro-oncology. A methylated MGMT promoter in glioblastoma multiforme strongly predicts improved response to Temozolomide-based chemoradiation and is associated with longer overall survival. This test is now considered standard of care before initiating treatment in newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas and should be ordered alongside IDH1/IDH2 mutation testing for comprehensive molecular profiling."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample received without the Genomics Clinical Information Requisition Form (Form 20)
- Sample shipped at room temperature or frozen
- Formalin-fixed tissue without prior laboratory approval
- Insufficient tissue quantity for DNA extraction
- Sample received in a non-sterile or leaking container
- Sample exceeding 72 hours from collection under refrigerated conditions
Understanding Your Results
MGMT Promoter Methylated
The MGMT gene is silenced due to promoter hypermethylation. The tumor cannot effectively repair alkyl-induced DNA damage. In glioblastoma, this status predicts a significantly better response to Temozolomide chemotherapy and is associated with longer overall survival and progression-free survival. Temozolomide-based concurrent chemoradiation is generally recommended.
Action: Discuss Temozolomide-based treatment regimen with your oncologist
MGMT Promoter Unmethylated
The MGMT gene is active and the tumor retains the ability to repair DNA damage caused by alkylating agents. In glioblastoma, this status predicts a poorer response to Temozolomide. Alternative or adjunct treatment strategies may be considered. The oncologist may evaluate other molecular markers and clinical factors for treatment planning.
Action: Consult your oncologist regarding alternative treatment options and clinical trial eligibility
You should consult your oncologist if you have been diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme or another high-grade glioma and need to understand the implications of your MGMT methylation result for treatment planning. Additionally, consult your doctor if you experience new or worsening neurological symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, vision changes, cognitive decline, or progressive weakness, as these may indicate disease progression requiring treatment modification.
Limitations
- ⚠This test evaluates only MGMT promoter methylation and does not replace comprehensive molecular profiling of tumors
- ⚠Results may vary depending on tumor heterogeneity and the proportion of tumor cells in the sample
- ⚠MGMT methylation status may change over the course of disease; testing at recurrence may yield different results
- ⚠The predictive value of MGMT methylation is best established for glioblastoma; its role in other cancers is still under investigation
- ⚠This test requires a tissue sample and cannot be performed on blood or other body fluids
- ⚠False negatives or false positives may occur due to technical limitations of methylation-specific PCR
Risks & Considerations
- ●As this test is performed on an already-collected tissue sample, there are no additional physical risks to the patient from the test itself
- ●There is a small possibility of inconclusive results if the tissue sample is inadequate, which may require a repeat biopsy
- ●Emotional impact: Understanding cancer prognosis through molecular testing can cause anxiety; genetic counseling support is available
Interfering Factors
- ●Insufficient tumor tissue in the submitted sample
- ●Tissue fixation in formalin (fresh tissue preferred; formalin-fixed may be accepted with prior consultation)
- ●Necrotic or heavily degraded tissue
- ●Contamination of the sample with normal (non-tumour) tissue, which may dilute methylation signal
- ●Improper storage or shipping temperature deviations
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Methylguanine Methyltransferase (MGMT) Test | MGMT Promoter Methylation Test | IDH1/IDH2 Mutation Test | 1p/19q Co-deletion Test | EGFR Amplification Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Methylguanine Methyltransferase (MGMT) Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MGMT test?
Why is the MGMT test important for brain cancer treatment?
What sample is required for the MGMT test?
What is the cost of the MGMT test at DNA Labs India?
How long does it take to get the MGMT test results?
What does it mean if my MGMT promoter is methylated?
What does it mean if my MGMT promoter is unmethylated?
Is fasting required before the MGMT test?
Is the MGMT test covered by insurance?
Can the MGMT test be done on blood instead of tissue?
Is home sample collection available for the MGMT test?
What is Form 20 and why is it mandatory for the MGMT test?
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