Course Description
Accumulating discoveries of the biological mechanisms that control cell growth and differentiation, and developments in the clinical management of cancer, continue to expand the role of molecular technology in diagnostic surgical pathology. In this course, the fundamental principles of molecular pathology in cancer and their application to laboratory medicine will be emphasized in a format designed to be practical and straightforward. Specifically, this course is aimed at providing pathologists with a foundation in the practice of oncologic molecular pathology to include: nomenclature, commonly used techniques and their specimen requirements, assay selection and indications, diagnostic and prognostic utility, test turn-around-times, and quality assurance issues. Select cases may be presented to illustrate use in routine practice and serve as useful paradigms. Moreover, specific areas will be highlighted in which major advances can be expected and to which the key principles learned can be applied.

Course Objectives:

• To present an overview of the central genetic principles of oncologic molecular tests commonly used in the practice of pathology.
  
  
• To provide participants with a working knowledge of tests available in oncologic molecular pathology as well as their application and interpretation in screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of cancer.