The European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) and the organisation for European Cancer Institute (OECI) are jointly organising the fourth edition of this course on the Molecular Pathology Approach to Cancer, to be held in Amsterdam from 5th – 7th May 2014.
Target audience
The course focuses on the practical application of molecular tests in pathology and is aimed at practicing pathologists, residents in pathology, molecular biologists with interest in diagnostic pathology and young medical oncologists.
Background
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.
Topics to be covered
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.
The topics that will be covered in the course include:
Next generation sequencing
Novel findings in breast, colorectal, ovarian, endometrial and kidney cancers
Targeted therapy in melanoma
KIT and novel targets in gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Genetic testing in colorectal and lung cancers
Translocations in sarcomas and haematological malignancies
How to deliver molecular tests for clinical decision-making
We hope that you will be able to join us for this innovative course.