By: Leigh-Ann van Strijp
On September 27th, 2024, OMPRN hosted a workshop on the histopathology and molecular pathology of sarcoma workshop, titled “Decoding Sarcoma and GIST Using Molecular Pathology,” at the Ontario Association of Pathologists (OAP) 86th annual meeting in Picton, Ontario. This event gathered some of the province’s leading voices in sarcoma pathology. The workshop featured instructors and content Dr. Bryan Lo (Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Ottawa Hospital), Dr. Aaron Pollett (Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology, Mount Sinai Hospital), and Dr. Bibianna Purgina (Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology, The Ottawa Hospital), each sharing their insights on sarcoma’s unique challenges and the advantages provided by molecular pathology in diagnosing and treating the disease. Approximately 60 attendees, including pathology residents and community pathologists, participated in the interactive workshop. The event was highly praised by both the meeting hosts and participants, who appreciated the expertise of the instructors and the engaging, interactive format.
Dr. Purgina kicked off the workshop by examining diagnostic challenges in sarcoma, particularly in distinguishing between different subtypes with overlapping histopathological features. She highlighted some case studies and demonstrated how combining histology with molecular techniques can provide more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes.
Dr. Lo provided an in-depth look at molecular techniques in sarcoma diagnostics, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), and their roles in identifying specific genetic variants associated with different sarcoma subtypes. His presentation highlighted the importance of precision medicine and how molecular profiling helps tailor treatment approaches to each patient’s unique cancer profile.
Dr. Pollett’s presentation focused on pathology’s role in guiding clinical management for gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) patients. He detailed key histological features pathologists look for when diagnosing GISTs and discussed the value of integrating pathology findings with molecular data to create comprehensive clinical reports that support oncologists in decision-making.
What set this workshop apart was the incorporation of the polling tool Slido as an interactive element to enhance audience participation. Through live polls and Q&A sessions, attendees were able to actively contribute to the discussions. This approach resulted in an impressive 87% participant engagement score, demonstrating the effectiveness of this interactive format. Feedback gathered after the session also revealed strong participant satisfaction. In response to the poll question, “Will this course enhance your competency?”, 86% of attendees voted ‘Yes,’ highlighting the value of the insights and knowledge shared during the session.
OMPRN is grateful to the speakers, organizers and attendees who contributed to the success of this workshop. The enthusiastic engagement and positive feedback motivate us to continue delivering high-quality, interactive educational sessions.
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