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.

November 19, 2019 | 7:30-8 am CST
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.

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.

Dr. Pandey is a nuclear radiology researcher working with a team to develop a new radioactive tracer to detect prostate cancer.

With input from Mayo Clinic oncologists, our laboratories have developed a menu of next-generation sequencing (NGS) oncology panels. These panels aid in the diagnosis and management of patients with cancer and are optimized for clinically relevant genes and actionable targets consistent with current oncology guidelines.

September 19, 2019 | Scottsdale, AZ
This preconference session will familiarize participants with the application and utility of molecular oncology testing. Participants learn the fundamental features of molecular testing platforms as faculty review clinical scenarios in which molecular testing is appropriate.

Targeted cancer therapies are defined as antibody or small molecule drugs that block the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with specific cell molecules involved in tumor growth and progression. Multiple targeted therapies have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of specific cancers. Molecular genetic profiling is often needed to identify targets amenable to targeted therapies and to minimize treatment costs and therapy-associated risks.

Rondell P. Graham, M.B.B.S., gives an overview of this test available through Mayo Clinic Laboratories. He discusses when this testing should be ordered, how this testing improves upon previous testing approaches, what clinical action can be taken due to the results of this testing.

The presence NTRK gene fusions is one of the eligibility requirements for the recently FDA-approved therapy Vitrakvi (larotrectinib), a therapy indicated in adult and pediatric patients with solid tumors regardless of the type of tumor. NTRK gene fusions have been described in many cancers at various frequencies including common cancers such as lung, thyroid, and colorectal cancers.

Neuro-oncology is a complex field undergoing rapid changes with the advancement and evolution of sophisticated genetic testing. Evidence continues to grow in support of broad molecular and cytogenetic analysis for patients with brain tumors.

Mayo Clinic pathologists, researchers, and a wide spectrum of allied health staff are in National Harbor, Maryland for the 108th United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology Meeting. Visit us at booth #510 to discuss how our testing can integrate with your practice.

This week’s Research Roundup highlights how the EZH2 cooperates with gain-of-function p53 mutants to promote cancer growth and metastasis.