Sarcomas are malignant tumors that arise in the bone and soft tissue. With numerous subtypes of sarcoma that can have overlapping histological, immunophenotypic, and clinical features, diagnosis can be extremely challenging

This “Pathways” program provides Anatomic and Clinical Pathology cases that include a history, potential answers, rationale, and relevant references. Cases for April include the following sub-specialties: Gastroenterology & Surgical, Gynecological, Gastroenterology, and Neuropathology.

In this month’s “Hot Topic,” Rondell Graham, M.B.B.S., provides an overview of a PRKACA FISH test that assists in differentiating fibrolamellar carcinoma from other subtypes of primary liver cancer.

At Mayo Clinic, we offer a comprehensive approach to testing that focuses on the best outcomes for the patient. Our testing method combines molecular and cytogenetic analysis (in addition to a standard morphological and histological assessment) to provide a clear picture of the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. This approach maximizes the amount of information available, allowing for a tailored treatment plan.

Oncology testing is rapidly advancing—from new technology and discoveries in molecular biomarkers to emerging therapies. Mayo Clinic Laboratories innovates at the speed of medical advancement, and offers comprehensive options for diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive lung cancer testing.

Mayo Clinic pathologists, researchers, and a wide spectrum of allied health staff will be in Los Angeles, California, for the 109th United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology Meeting (USCAP). Visit us at booth #716 on March 2 – 4, 2020 to discuss how our testing can integrate with your practice.

In this month’s “Hot Topic,” Sounak Gupta, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., discusses selecting tissues and other tissue considerations for molecular testing. He also reviews tissue metrics and requirements, which differ based on test platforms. It is important to keep in mind that the details of tissue metrics change over time as they continue to evolve with technology.

PACE / State of CA / State of FL
In this month’s “Virtual Lecture,” Henry Tazelaar, M.D., breaks down the various risks of environmental lung cancer, from those present in medieval and renaissance times, to modern danger.

PACE
This “Specialty Testing” webinar will describe the utility of microsatellite instability testing in colorectal cancer care and discuss the limitation of various assays used to diagnose microsatellite instability.

This week’s featured chromosomal microarray test in focus is presented by William Sukov, M.D., a pathologist and cancer geneticist at Mayo Clinic. He discusses when this test should be used for patients with renal tumors.

Fewer than half the people found to have colorectal cancer are diagnosed at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. New therapies can reduce tumor size and prolong life, but they can also be costly and not work as intended. The results and interpretations from our laboratories provide clinically actionable results to guide treatment selection, ensuring every patient receives the medication most appropriate for care. In addition to guiding treatment, our testing also assesses risk for developing hereditary cancer syndrome.

A 39-year-old woman presents with a 6 cm recurrent polypoid mass situated in the left […]

PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) is indicated in patients with specific tumor types in order to predict their responses to treatment with PD-L1 inhibitors. The specific PD-L1 clone, scoring method, and eligibility requirements are dependent on the tumor type, stage of malignancy, previous treatment outcomes, and specific PD-L1 inhibitor being considered.