This course is intended to provide an update regarding the rapidly evolving field of molecular testing in cancer. It is likely that advances in this field will lead to a revolution in the diagnosis and management of cancer patients, as well as lead into a new era of cancer care which goes far beyond anatomical diagnosis. The targeted audiences of this course are practicing anatomical pathologists, pathology residents, and fellows. An extensive syllabus will be distributed at the course. After the meeting a CD of additional materials will be mailed to all registrants for the course.

We will provide an overview of the scope of applications of molecular testing in cancer, from diagnostic, prognostic, to predictive applications with commonly used examples in clinical practice as well as a quick overview of the principles of the most commonly used techniques. Using illustrative cases, we will discuss the role of molecular testing in colorectal cancer and its impact on patient management. Also, we will provide an update on testing epidermal growth factor receptor and KRAS gene expression in different tumors. A brief overview of the emerging role of "microRNA" testing in cancer care will be presented. Finally, we will introduce the concept of "Molecular Profiling" as a promising tool which allows a global view of multiple genes and proteins simultaneously. We will conclude by addressing some practical challenges which face the incorporation of molecular testing into our pathology practice.

Upon completion of the course, it is anticipated that participants will be able to: 1) Understand the increasingly important role of molecular pathology in current practice and its effect on cancer patient diagnosis and management; 2) Understand the basic principles of the molecular methods used in clinical practice; 3) Understand how molecular testing can be incorporated into our pathology practice; and 4) Have an overview of the concept of "molecular profiling" of cancer, as an emerging revolutionary tool in molecular pathology.

(New Course) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM's credits.