Molecular Pathology of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Details

Title

Molecular Pathology of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Type

Stage Two

Module code

HLS324

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of the training period trainees will, in respect to the molecular pathology of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia be able to

• analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge
• perform, adapt and master a range of technical and clinical skills and procedures and
• demonstrate the attitudes and behaviours necessary for professional practise as a Consultant Clinical Scientist dealing with the complexities, uncertainties and tensions of professional practise at this level.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise relevant knowledge and its application to their professional practice in relation to:

• Current WHO classification of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL)
• Epidemiology and pathophysiology of acute lymphoid leukaemias
• Clinical, morphological, cell surface marker, cytogenetic & molecular genetic characteristics of lymphoid leukaemias
• Role of B and T cell ALL/LBL and clonality markers
• Disease staging and spread to “sanctuary sites” such as the central nervous system
• Role of chromosomal translocations and chromosomal gains/losses in the pathogenesis and clinical features of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia including t(9:21) (BCR-ABL),  t(12:21) (TEL-AML1), t(1:19)(PBX-E2A), MLL gene fusions, TCR translocations, hyperdiploidy, hypodiploidy
• Role of specific gene mutations on the pathogenesis and clinical features of lymphoid leukemias including NOTCH1, IKZF1, TP53, PHF6, CDKN2A, FBXW7
• Minimal residual disease

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current relevant research, theory and knowledge and its application to the performance, adaptation and mastery of the following skills to:

• Competence in the laboratory investigation, diagnosis and monitoring of patients with lymphoid leukemias including:
  • Performance and interpretation of molecular diagnostic methods used in the diagnosis of lymphoid leukaemias including PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, multi-gene mutational screening approaches (including multiplex PCR and targeted capture), next-generation sequencing, Fluorescence-in-situ hybridisation (FISH)
  • Interpretation of gene expression profiling and comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) analyses
  • Ability to integrate molecular diagnostic findings into a fully interpretative clinical diagnostic report

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to apply knowledge of the presentation and management of disease and the causes of infertility to perform, adapt and master the clinical skills necessary to manage to understand the:

• clinical presentation, prognosis and treatment principles for lymphoid leukaemias
• impact of cytogenetic and molecular characteristics on the clinical management of lymphoid leukaemias
• role of disease stage in the clinical management of lymphoid leukaemias
• role of MRD monitoring in the clinical management of lymphoid leukaemias