Training activity information
Details
Interpret and report gene fusion testing, to include:
- FISH, e.g. lung cancer
- RT-PCR, e.g AML, ALL
- RNA fusion panel, e.g. NTRK
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
- For specific cancer types and gene fusions, what are the expected results for each testing methodology (FISH, RT-PCR, RNA fusion panel)? How are these results typically presented?
- What is the clinical significance of common gene fusions in lung cancer, AML, ALL, and involving NTRK in terms of diagnosis, prognosis, and potential therapeutic targets?
- What are the key elements that should be included in a report for each of these gene fusion testing methods, ensuring clarity for clinical interpretation?
- How will you develop your skills in correlating the technical output of each method with its clinical significance?
- Will you review example reports for FISH, RT-PCR, and RNA fusion panel testing for relevant gene fusions with your training officer or a senior scientist?
- What resources (e.g., relevant literature, guidelines on reporting molecular genetic results) will you consult to prepare for interpretation and reporting?
- What potential challenges might you anticipate in interpreting and reporting gene fusion results (e.g., atypical fusion partners, low-level signals)? How might you approach these?
In action
- How are you currently approaching the interpretation and reporting of fusion results across different methodologies, and what real-time decisions are you making to accurately present fusion partners, clinical significance, and standard nomenclature?
- What challenges are you encountering in this moment—such as interpreting novel fusions or understanding their prognostic value—and how effective are you in conveying their significance within the evolving landscape of targeted therapies?
- How are you managing ambiguity or novelty, for instance by researching unknown implications or seeking specialist advice (e.g., from a molecular pathologist), to ensure your final report is comprehensive and includes relevant clinical trial information?
On action
- How did you report the specific gene fusion identified, and the methodology used for its detection?
- How did you convey the clinical significance of the identified gene fusion in terms of diagnosis, prognosis, or therapeutic targets?
- Were there any challenges in standardising the reporting of gene fusion results across different methodologies?
- Did you improve your ability to interpret and report on gene fusion testing using different techniques?
- Did you learn about the essential information to include in a comprehensive gene fusion report?
- How do you communicate the implications of gene fusion findings for personalised cancer therapy?
- What resources will you use to stay updated on clinically relevant gene fusions and their reporting standards?
- How will you ensure consistency and accuracy in your gene fusion reports?
- How will you contribute to the development of best practices for gene fusion testing and reporting within your laboratory?
Beyond action
- Considering your subsequent work, how has your ability to interpret and report on gene fusion testing results from different methodologies (FISH, RT-PCR, RNA sequencing) improved? Are you now more adept at explaining the clinical significance of detected fusions?
- Have you had opportunities to present or discuss gene fusion findings in MDT meetings, gaining insights into how these results inform treatment decisions?
- How has your experience in reporting gene fusions informed your reporting on other types of structural variants or complex genomic rearrangements in cancer?
- As new actionable gene fusions are discovered and new therapies developed, how will your foundational interpretation and reporting skills help you to translate these findings into clinically relevant information in the future?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 3 |
Outcome
Analyse, interpret and report tests for patients referred with sporadic cancer. |
| # 7 |
Outcome
Analyse, interpret and report gene fusion testing in cancer referrals. |