Vanessa Smith, MD, Neuropathology Fellow, presented an "Early Bird Case Study" at the Association for Molecular Pathology annual meeting in Phoenix, AZ, on Fri., Nov. 4th, titled "SHH-Activated Medulloblastoma With or Without TP53 Mutation? Tumor Heterogeneity Causes a Diagnostic Dilemma with Profound Clinical Implications."
She discussed a case of pediatric medulloblastoma that had conflicting molecular results, leading to alternative subclassifications with vastly different prognosis and treatment approach. Additional extensive molecular profiling was performed on multiple tumor blocks, including methylation profiling, chromosome microarray, and comprehensive genomic profiling. Her presentation was very well received and generated much discussion regarding the role of tumor heterogeneity in molecular diagnostics as well as the future of medulloblastoma subclassification.
Smith’s mentor, Assistant Professor of Pathology Jadee Neff, MD, PhD, represented the department during meetings for program directors for Molecular Genetic Pathology fellowships
Barbara Anderson, MS, MB(ASCP)CM is an analytical specialist in the Division of Molecular Pathology, Genetics and Genomics and presented a corporate workshop on Nov. 2nd for Asuragen titled “Do More with Less: Better Genetic Answers in a Streamlined Analysis Workflow.” Additionally, as a Technical Topics representative for the program committee, she organized and moderated a Plenary session on Nov 3rd titled "Demystifying the MolDX Technical Assessment Process, " presented by Dr. Gabriel Bien-Willner. She also led a breakout session on Nov 4th titled Standardization of Bioinformatics Pipelines and Gene Product Nomenclature," presented by Drs. Shuji Ogino, Alex Wagner, and Laura Conlin.
Duke Molecular Genetic Pathology fellowship faculty member Wen Shuai, MD, MS, and Duke AP/CP Residency alumnus Siddharta Sen, MD, PhD,, a molecular pathologist at the University of Minnesota, also attended the meeting.
AMP is the leading organization in the field of molecular diagnostics, and its annual meeting is widely considered the “premier gathering” of molecular professionals. At its annual meeting, attendees explore how cutting-edge technology and developments in molecular testing and diagnostics continue to have a major impact on patient care. The AMP 2022 Program Committee produced a program intended to spark dialogue and engagement amongst attendees and exhibitors from around the world. For more information, visit www.amp.org. Follow AMP on Twitter: @AMPath.