FISH-Banding for Characterization of Simple and Complex Chromosomal Rearrangements in Cancer

While interphase and metaphase-directed molecular cytogenetics is a standard technique in routine tumor (cyto)genetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization-based banding (FISH-banding) approaches are less commonly applied. In research FISH-banding showed its excellence in the characterization of simple and complex chromosomal aberrations; however, in routine settings, it is still only little applied. The main argument against FISH-banding is, that it shall be associated with comparatively high costs. However, if applied advisedly FISH-banding can even save costs, as in one or two chromosome-specific FISH experiments; otherwise, cryptic, not resolvable chromosomal rearrangements may be resolved quickly. Here the protocol for the only yet commercially available FISH-banding approach—the multicolor banding (MCB/ mBAND)—is outlined.