Educational Needs

Practicing pathologists need to be knowledgeable about the new molecular tests available and how to use them for classification and prognostication of tumors. With most biopsies now performed by minimally invasive techniques pathologists get smaller and smaller specimens to review. They need to formulate a diagnosis, classify the neoplasm, and provide information for further management. There are numerous new methodologies and techniques, which can be expensive and have confusing terminologies and availability.

Additionally, they need to be aware of the newly updated classification of lymphomas based on molecular methods. This is not only a newer international initiative by leading pathology and oncology societies, and the WHO classification committee on tumors, but it increasingly being utilized to subclassify, prognosticate, and manage lymphomas.

While bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapies are fairly specialized and usually only available in select medical centers and research facilities, these patients are first seen at community hospitals. They are often given blood components, which may interfere with future eligibility for transplantation and influence outcomes. Both community and academic pathologists need to understand how to approach potential patients that may qualify for cellular therapy and bone marrow or solid organ transplantation.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of the 2023 MSP Annual Meeting, attendees will be able to:

1. Describe the current state of molecular methods in diagnosis and management.
2. Describe the use of molecular diagnostics in practice of pathology and review newer emerging applications in this field.
3. Review the newly updated classification of lymphomas and incorporation of molecular genetic pathology in classification and prognostication of lymphomas.
4. Describe the role of both community and academic pathologists in managing care of patients that may benefit from cellular therapies or maybe candidates for bone marrow or solid organ transplantation.