Molecular pathology is one of the linchpins of precision medicine. No longer can treatment decisions related to therapy selection be rendered solely on the basis of histopathological analyses, as genomic analyses of human cancers are resulting in the identification of the genetic determinants of tumourigenesis, cancer progression and therapy response.
The pathologists’ role in the implementation of molecular tests in diagnostic practice and the ability of pathology laboratories to perform these tests and communicate the results to oncologists are germane to the successful translation of scientific advancements into benefit to patients.
This course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art molecular pathology approaches and their application, and to discuss current genomics and molecular pathology of solid malignancies.
Target audience
This course will provide a discussion of current concepts in molecular pathology, molecular pathology methods and their application. It will be beneficial for practicing pathologists and oncologists, residents and fellows in pathology and oncology, and molecular biologists with an interest in molecular pathology and precision medicine.
Topics to be covered
The role of the pathologist in precision medicine
Massively parallel sequencing methods and data interpretation
Gene expression regulation
Plasma circulating cell-free DNA analysis
Perspectives in molecular testing for clinical decision-making in oncology in Europe and USA
The molecular pathology of immunotherapy response
Molecular pathology of breast cancer and the usefulness of transcriptomic and genomic biomarkers in breast cancer pathology and oncology practice
Novel findings in ovarian and endometrial cancers
Targeted therapies in melanoma
KIT and novel therapeutic targets in gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Genomics of lung and colorectal cancers, and the use of genetic biomarkers for therapeutic decision-making
Molecular classification of sarcomas and central nervous system tumours
Scientific Programme Committee: Leonor David, Richard Marais, Jorge Reis-Filho, Giorgio Stanta and Marc van de Vijver
