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Hot Topics

Sunday, September 30

SS100  Testing for Human Papillomavirus: Methodology, Test Validation, and Quality Assurance
Superior A/B, Level II (YELLOW)

8:30 – 10:00 am

Testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) is widely utilized for the optimization of cervical cancer screening. There are a number of testing modalities available, each of which has unique features that may affect performance and clinical utility. Methods of quality control and assurance will be covered, particularly for users in anatomic pathology laboratories where this test may be the only viral DNA detection being performed. CAP Laboratory Accreditation checklist items covering this procedure will be highlighted. Potential changes in HPV detection methods and clinical algorithms based on emerging data will be presented as well.

Faculty:
David C. Wilbur, MD, FCAP

Media are welcome to attend this program, as well as receive printed materials. Dr. Wilbur is available for media interviews.

AP100  Current Issues in Breast Pathology Chicago
Ballroom VI, Level IV (BLUE)

8:30 am – Noon

This course will cover current diagnostic and management issues in breast pathology commonly faced by pathologists and pathology residents in their daily practice.

Faculty:
Timothy W. Jacobs, MD, FCAP

Media are welcome to attend this program, as well as receive printed materials. Dr. Jacobs is available for media interviews.

SS101  HPV: The Virus and the Vaccines
Superior A/B, Level II (YELLOW)

10:30 am - Noon

In June 2006, the FDA approved the first prophylactic vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), the etiologic agent in cervical cancer, with another HPV vaccine completing phase three clinical trials. In this session, faculty will discuss the basic molecular biology of HPV as the basis of understanding how the vaccines work. Results from the clinical trials of these vaccines, their similarities, potential differences, and clinical indications and rationale for use will be reviewed. In addition, the potential impact these HPV vaccines may have on the incidence of cervical cancer and the profession of cytopathology will be discussed.

Faculty:
Teresa M. Darragh, MD, FCAP

Media are welcome to attend this program as well as receive printed materials. Dr. Darragh is available for media interviews.

ST100  HER2 Testing Symposium: How You Can Eliminate HER2 Testing Variation and Risk
Chicago Ballroom VII, Level IV (BLUE)

1:30 – 5:00 pm

Accurate testing and interpretation of protein overexpression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and HER2 gene amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are critical to the effective treatment of women with breast cancer. Recent clinical trials revealed that the accuracy of each HER2 test is plagued with a high incidence of false-positive and false-negative results. Two of the root problems are improper and/or inconsistent testing methodologies and inaccurate test interpretation. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and CAP developed comprehensive HER2 Testing Guidelines in 2006 that include laboratory testing and quality assurance requirements, as well as mandatory proficiency testing and ongoing competency assessment of pathologists. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) also developed a complementary guideline.

Faculty:
Kenneth J. Bloom, MD, FCAP
M. Elizabeth H. Hammond, MD, FCAP
David G. Hicks, MD, FCAP

Media are welcome to attend this program, as well as receive printed materials. Drs. Bloom, Hammond and Hicks are also available for media interviews.

Monday, October 1

SS103  Targeted Therapy of Lung Cancer: New Roles for Pathologists
Superior A/B, Level II (YELLOW)

8:30 – 10:00 am

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States. Over the past two decades, adenocarcinoma has replaced squamous cell carcinoma as the most common subtype of lung cancer. The oberservation that targeted inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are preferentially active in adenocarcinomas and the subsequent discovery of activating mutations in the EGFR gene as the molecular basis for this sensitivity have revoluntionized lung cancer management. Faculty will focus on how the EGFR-target therapy of lung cancer is impacting the practice of surgical pathology and cytopathology.

Faculty:
Marc Ladanyi, MD

Media are welcome to attend this program, as well as receive printed materials. Dr. Ladanyi is also available for media interviews.

ST103  Molecular Prognostication in Breast Cancer in the 21st Century: An Introduction from Benchtop to Bedside
Chicago Ballroom VII, Level IV (BLUE)

2:00 – 5:30 pm

. Molecular pathology is revolutionizing breast carcinoma classification and treatment. This century heralded a new breast classification system based on gene expression profiles. The first genomic classifier then followed, ushering in “personalized medicine.” Genomic classifiers now deliver individualized prognostic information and tailored therapy. Pathologists must understand and provide expert advice in this emerging area.

Faculty:
Sunil Badve, MD
Rick L. Baehner, MD
David G. Hicks, MD, FCAP

Media are welcome to attend this program, as well as receive printed materials. All of the faulty members are available for media interviews.

CP104  Point of Care Testing: A Tale of Three Institutions
Michigan A/B, Level II (YELLOW)

2:00 – 5:30 pm

The number of point of care (POC) analytes and the frequency of their measurement have been increasing over the past 20 years and are expected to grow in the future. As the needs of medical centers vary, each institution’s medical staff has developed its own approach to POC, which presents challenges in solving unique problems associated with these customized programs. Technologies discussed will include well-established analytes such as glucose, electrolytes, blood gases, coagulation tests, and emerging procedures for HIV and Helicobacter plori detection. Practical approaches to technology selection, implementation, result integration, competency assessment, and physician credentialing will be discussed.

Faculty:
Peter J. Howanitz, MD, FCAP
James H. Nichols, PhD, DABCC, FACB
Paula J. Santrach, MD, FCAP

Media are welcome to attend this program, however printed materials will not be available to the media. In addition, Drs. Howanitz and Nichols are both available for interview. However, Dr. Santrach is not available.

Tuesday, October 2

AP113  Diagnostic Dilemmas in Pulmonary Pathology
Sheraton Ballroom I-II, Level IV (BLUE)

1:30 – 5:00 pm

This course provides the practicing surgical pathologist with a methodical approach to common diagnostic dilemmas involving histopathology of lung or pleural tissue, including small biopsies and frozen sections.

Faculty:
Mary Beth Beasley, MD, FCAP
Philip T. Cagle, MD, FCAP

Media are welcome to attend this program, as well as receive printed materials. Drs. Beasley and Cagle are both available for media interviews.

ST105  Genetic Testing: Principles Applied Case Studies
Chicago Ballroom VIII, Level IV (BLUE)

1:30 – 5:00 pm

With completion of the Human Genome Project and the increasing diversity and demand for genetic tests, pathologists can expect increasing requests for pre-test consultation and support for the interpretation of genetic assay results. Following an introduction to genetic principles and terminology, this half-day course will employ case studies to focus on everyday issues encountered in clinical consultation requests for genetic testing. Important issues in interpretation of results for simple or more complex genetic tests will be discussed. Audience discussion time follows each speaker.

Faculty:
Daniel B. Bellissimo, PhD, FACMG
Jeffrey A. Kant, MD, PhD, FCAP
Karen E. Weck, MD, FCAP

Media are welcome to attend this program, as well as receive printed materials. Drs. Bellissimo and Kant are both available for media interviews.

Wednesday, October 3

SS109  Association for Pathology Informatics: Whole Slide Digital Imaging—Will It Change the Practice of Pathology?
Michigan A/B, Level II (YELLOW)

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Turnkey systems capable of digitally capturing an entire microscope slide have been commercially available for nearly a decade. This technology has not yet penetrated extensively into clinical pathology practices nor has it been eliminated as a passing fad. This course will begin with an introduction to this compelling and rapidly evolving technology as it applies to the practice of pathology.

Faculty:
Ulyssess J. Balis, MD
John H. Sinard, MD, PhD, FCAP

Media are welcome to attend this program, as well as receive printed materials. Dr. Balis is available for media interviews. However, Dr. Sinard is not available.

CP107  Surviving and Thriving in the Changing World of Transfusion Medicine
Chicago Ballroom VIII, Level IV (BLUE)

1:30 – 5:00 pm

The next 10 years in transfusion medicine is unlikely to look like the last 10. In this course, faculty will lead attendees through a discussion that provides useful tips to:

• Harness tracer methodology inspection techniques and the intense hospital-wide focus on patient safety to achieve needed improvements in transfusion recipient care
• Approach accreditation inspections with renewed confidence, knowing that the systems in place are utilizing the safest transfusion processes possible from vein to vein
• Apply new automated and manual serologic methods to provide efficiency and reliability in transfusion services of all sizes
• Tackle long-standing dilemmas, such as the transfusion of patients and autoantibodies, with confidence and without delay
• Consult with clinicians to keep them abreast of the safest approaches for their patients, gather and interpret data on patient safety in a nationwide hemovigilance network, and use the concept of a transfusion safety officer to extend your reach into the clinical arena

Faculty:
Kirsten W. Alcorn, MD, FCAP
James P. AuBuchon, MD, FCAP, FRCP (Edin)
Lesley A. Kressie, MD, FCAP

Media are welcome to attend this program, as well as receive printed materials. Dr. AuBuchon is available for media interviews. However, Drs. Alcorn and Kresie are not available.