Course Description
This special course will provide an in-depth consideration of recent advances in molecular biology and genetics that are enhancing the understanding of the pathogenesis of human cancer and other diseases, and impacting on the practice of diagnostic pathology. Topics will be chosen to highlight specific advances in the molecular and cell biology related to disease pathogenesis, with considerations of molecular mechanisms, genetic and cellular signaling pathways, and various methodologic approaches. The program is designed as an update for both practicing pathologists and primary investigators on these specific topics as well as general trends in the field of molecular pathology. In addition to presenting a basic scientific foundation on each topic, these lectures will provide practical information concerning how this information can be applied in diagnostic and therapeutic settings. Therefore, an important overall emphasis of this course will be translational issues that link basic discoveries with the practice of pathology.