3rd EACR-OECI Joint Training Course: Molecular Pathology Approach to Cancer

The course focuses on the recent developments in the molecular pathology of cancers and on the practical application of molecular tests in pathology. The course is aimed at practising pathologists, residents in pathology, molecular biologists with interest in diagnostic pathology and young medical oncologists.

Genomic analyses of human cancers are leading to the identification of the genetic determinants of targeted therapies. Treatment decisions selecting therapies for cancer patients are no longer solely based on histopathological analyses of tumours.

In fact, molecular tests are rapidly being incorporated into routine clinical practice. The role of pathologists in the implementation of molecular tests in diagnostic practice and the ability of pathology laboratories to perform these tests in an optimal manner are crucial for the successful translation of scientific advancements into useful biomarkers.

This course will provide an up-to-date review of current molecular biomarkers and the challenges for their assessment and interpretation in the context of different cancer types. Conceptual and practical advancements in the development of novel biomarkers for cancer patients will also be discussed.