Training activity information
Details
Analyse and interpret molecular laboratory assays (non-NGS) applicable to solid tumour referrals
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What non-NGS assays are commonly used for colorectal and melanoma referrals (e.g., PCR, Sanger sequencing, FISH)? What are the principles behind these techniques? What specific mutations or biomarkers are typically assessed using these methods for these cancer types?
- What are the potential challenges in interpreting non-NGS data in the context of solid tumours?
- Review relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) and any available case examples.
- Consider potential challenges, such as ambiguous results, and how you might approach their interpretation
In action
- How are you approaching the analysis of the assay results? What specific data points or features are you focusing on? Why?
- What decisions are you making as you interpret the results? How are you determining the significance of the findings? Are you comparing the results to any reference data or guidelines?
- Are you finding certain assay types or mutation patterns easier to interpret than others? What aspects are causing you uncertainty?1
- How effective are your actions in achieving a clinically relevant interpretation of the assay results? Are you encountering any ambiguities or unexpected findings?
- What challenges are you facing during this activity? For example, are there issues with data quality, unclear results, or conflicting information?
- Are you gaining a better understanding of the limitations or strengths of these non-NGS assays in specific contexts? Are you learning how to identify potential pitfalls in interpretation?
- Are you aware of any potential confounding factors or limitations of the assays?
On action
- Summarise the key molecular assay results you analysed and interpreted for solid tumour referrals. What were the main findings? Were there any unexpected or ambiguous results?
- Did you gain a better understanding of the principles and limitations of the non-NGS assays used? Did you improve your ability to interpret specific mutation patterns? Did you encounter any results that were difficult to interpret in the clinical context? Were there any cases where your interpretation had a clear clinical significance? Did you seek clarification or consult guidelines based on your initial analysis?
- Do you feel you need to enhance your understanding of specific assays or the clinical significance of certain mutations? How will you approach future analysis and interpretation of non-NGS assays based on this experience? To develop your practice, will you review relevant literature, discuss challenging cases with senior colleagues, or explore specific databases of molecular information? Do you require access to specific training on certain assay types or interpretation guidelines?
Beyond action
- Have you gained new perspectives on the clinical significance of the results you interpreted based on subsequent learning?
- How has your understanding of non-NGS assays informed your approach to interpreting other molecular data or understanding the diagnostic pathway for solid tumours?
- Have you encountered situations where your previous experience with non-NGS assays has helped you understand new information or technologies?
- How will you stay updated on the role of non-NGS assays in the evolving landscape of cancer diagnostics?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 |
Outcome
Select the relevant testing strategy for patients referred for diagnostic genomic testing for colorectal and lung cancer, and melanoma. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Analyse, interpret and prepare interpretive reports of clinically relevant findings for patients with colorectal and lung cancer, and melanoma. |