Patient-oriented molecular pathology educational resources

Lesson 1 – What is molecular pathology?

Lesson format: Infographic

Lesson description

In this lesson, you will be introduced to the topic of molecular pathology. The lesson explores the definition of molecular pathology, lists some molecular pathology techniques and describes the ways molecular pathology is involved in cancer care.

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, the learners will:

1. understand the definition of molecular pathology;
2. be able to name some techniques used in molecular pathology, and
3. be able to explain how molecular pathology contributes to cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Lesson preview

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE LESSON (PDF download)

Want to learn more?

Check out the links to these trusted resources to learn more about some of the topics covered in this lesson.

• Molecular Pathology and Molecular Hematology – Alberta Precision Laboratories
• Molecular testing – National Cancer Institute (NCI) Dictionary of Cancer Terms
• Biomarker testing for cancer treatment – NCI “About Cancer” webpage

Credits

Written by Kyster Nanan, OMPRN Project Manager and Education Lead
Reviewed by Karen Haas and Terry Hawrysh, OMPRN Patient Partners and Victoria Hoskin, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Version history

Published March 1, 2023

Lesson 2 – Liquid biopsy

Lesson format: Infographic

Lesson description

In this lesson, you will learn about a relatively new medical testing technique called liquid biopsy. The lesson describes the steps in liquid biopsy and explains some of its advantages compared to solid tissue biopsy. The lesson also covers how liquid biopsy can be used in cancer diagnosis and to monitor treatment.

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, the learners will be able to:

1. describe the liquid biopsy technique;
2. describe some benefits of liquid biopsy;
3. list at least two fluids that can be used for liquid biopsy;
4. describe how liquid biopsy is involved in cancer care.

Lesson preview

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE LESSON (PDF download)

Want to learn more?

Check out the links to these trusted resources to learn more about some of the topics covered in this lesson.

• Liquid biopsy – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
• What is circulating tumour DNA? – MedlinePlus
• Liquid Biopsy for Screening and Early Detection of Cancer – Canada’s Drug and Health Technology Agency (CADTH)

Credits

Written by Karen Haas, OMPRN Patient Partner
Reviewed by Kyster Nanan, Project Manager and Education Lead, Terry Hawrysh, OMPRN Patient Partner and Victoria Hoskin, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Version history

Published March 1, 2023

Lesson 3 – Being an active participant in your cancer care

Lesson format: Video

Lesson description

Being involved in making cancer treatment decisions has been shown to benefit patients (Noteboom et al., 2021). In this lesson, you will learn about how you could actively participate in your cancer treatment. The lesson provides an overview of what active participation looks like, how you might begin and shares tips for communicating effectively with your healthcare team during the process.

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, the learners will be able to:

1. describe active participation;
2. name some benefits of active participation;
3. describe steps for incorporating active participation into their healthcare;
4. describe techniques for communicating with healthcare team members.

Lesson preview

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE LESSON (YouTube video)

Want to learn more?

Check out the links to these trusted resources to learn more about some of the topics covered in this lesson.

• Deciding to take part in a clinical trial – NCI About Cancer
• Deciding whether to be part of a clinical trial – American Cancer Society
• Noteboom et al., 2021 – Patients’ preferred and perceived level of involvement in decision making for cancer treatment: A systematic review

Credits

Written and recorded by Terry Hawrysh, OMPRN Patient Partner
Edited by Kyster Nanan, Project Manager and Education LeadReviewed by Kyster Nanan, Karen Haas, OMPRN Patient Partner and Victoria Hoskin, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Version history

Published March 1, 2023

Lesson 4 – Biomarkers: The Secret Code of Cancer

Lesson format: Storybook

Lesson description

In this lesson, you will learn about molecular biomarkers and how they can be used in cancer detection and diagnosis. This story follows Wayne, a young adult who’s plans for an upcoming camping trip change unexpectedly after some routine tests at the hospital.

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, the reader will be able to:

1. Explain what biomarkers are;
2. List 2 ways that biomarkers can be detected;
3. Explain why biomarkers are important in cancer diagnosis.

Lesson preview

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE LESSON (PDF download)

Want to learn more?

Check out the links to these trusted resources to learn more about some of the topics covered in this lesson.

• Tumour markers | Canadian Cancer Society
• Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment | National Cancer Institute

Credits

Written by Karen Haas, OMPRN Patient Partner
Edited by Kyster Nanan, OMPRN Project Manager and Education Lead
Illustrated by Caitlyn Skelton, Designs that Cell

Version history

Published November 1, 2023

Lesson 5 – How do clinical trials work?

Lesson format: Whiteboard animation

Lesson description

In this lesson, you will learn about clinical trials. The lesson explores how clinical trials work, describes the phases of a clinical trial and reviews some topics you should consider before taking part in a clinical trial. You will also learn about the role of molecular pathology in clinical trials design and what you should expect should you join a clinical trial.

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, the viewers will be able to:

1. Explain how clinical trials work and who the key players are;
2. List the main components of a clinical research protocol;
3. Distinguish between the different phases of a clinical trial;
4. Explain the role of molecular pathology in clinical trial design;
5. Describe what happens after the trial is completed.

Lesson preview

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE LESSON (YouTube video)

You can also download the transcript here (PDF)

Want to learn more?

Check out the links to these trusted resources to learn more about some of the topics covered in this lesson.

• Patients & Public Resources | Clinical Trials Ontario| Clinical Trials Ontario
• Cancer Education Topics | Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
• Learn About Studies | ClinicalTrials.gov

Credits

Written by Terry Hawrysh, OMPRN Patient Partner and Kyster Nanan, OMPRN Project Manager and Education Lead
Reviewed by Karen Haas, OMPRN Patient Partner
Animations & Video by Leigh-Ann van Strip, OMPRN Molecular Pathology Education Associate
Music by FSM Team

Version history

Published November 1, 2023