Immuno-oncology, which engages the patient’s immune system responses to fight cancer, has revolutionized cancer treatment in the past 20 years. Although surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy remain the current standard of therapeutic approaches for cancer care, the rapidly evolving science of IO has brought unprecedented changes in the way cancer treatments are thought about. In this new era of cancer care, identification and testing for IO and related therapeutics will become standard in the diagnosis and treatment of many cancers.
This case based, interactive online course will allow pathologists and laboratory professionals, as well as oncologists and other members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team, to gain key scientific knowledge and skills in utilizing biomarkers, particularly next-generation sequencing for identifying tumor mutation burden, for testing and selection of appropriate IO therapies, to provide patients with a personalized approach during each stage of their treatment regimens.
The 90-minute learning activity will ensure timely and effective communication of the latest science and biomarker data for current and emerging IO therapies and is parsed into three sections: Introduction to next-generation sequencing; Known and potential biomarkers for novel immunotherapy, predictors of response; and identification of biomarkers; and Clinical applications of immunotherapy.
Learning Objectives:
- Utilize NGS and comprehensive gene panels to identify known and potential biomarkers in novel IO therapeutics, including TMB, to predict response to IO therapies
- Describe the potential use of NGS in characterizing the tumor microenvironment;
- Identify the advantages and limitations of current NGS technology platforms and comprehensive gene panels used in IO research; and
- Outline the practical use of NGS results in designing and implementing treatment plans for patients.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit Designation Statement
The ASCP designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
These activities also meet MOC Part II Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment Module (SAMs CME) requirements.
ASCP designates these live activities for a maximum of 1.5 CMLE credit. These activities meet CMP and state re-licensure requirements for laboratory personnel.
For questions regarding CME credit, please contact ASCP Customer Service at 1-800-267-2727, during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a .m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time
Method of Participation
To complete the activity and receive credit, the participant must complete the online course. CME certificates will be provided on-line.
Funded by an independent educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb.