Jennifer L Hunt, M.D., University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Molecular Pathology for the anatomic pathologist: Common techniques and their applications to every-day problems in anatomic pathology
Do you ever wonder what cases in your daily signout could benefit from molecular analysis? If you are a pathologist or resident without extensive experience in molecular biology, and you want to learn more about what molecular tests are available to help you diagnostically, this course is for you. This is a case-based presentation that covers the common techniques in molecular pathology (PCR, RT-PCR, microdissection, etc.) in the context of real situations that arise in an anatomic pathology laboratory. Several new cases will be rotated in each year to address emerging technologies and to cover a broad spectrum of molecular testing.
The cases illustrate diagnostic and prognostic uses of molecular testing in anatomic pathology. The cases include identity testing (floater analysis/specimen mix-up), testing for prognostic or diagnostic genes in tumors, differentiating second primary tumors from metastasis, and microsatellite instability.
Case descriptions, virtual slides, and molecular results will be available prior to and after the meeting via the internet using state-of-the-art virtual microscope technology (link through www.USCAP.org short course description). All participants will be provided with a comprehensive syllabus at the meeting and a list of laboratories currently offering tissue-based molecular testing. Each participant will also receive a CD containing my entire Power-Point presentation.
The course objectives are the following:
- To understand molecular techniques and terminology and see their applications to fresh, frozen, and paraffin-embedded tissues.
- To look at specific common questions in anatomic pathology that can be addressed using molecular analyses.
(Last scheduled presentation)
